Poll law violation: 3 years probation for Chatwal

December 19, 2014 11:14 pm | Updated 11:14 pm IST - New York:

Sant Chatwal

Sant Chatwal

Rejecting the prosecution’s demand for a jail term, a federal judge here has sentenced prominent Indian—American hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal to three years probation and a $500,000 fine on charges of illegally donating thousands of dollars to political campaigns.

Mr. Chatwal’s lawyers asked the court to weigh his age (he is 70) and “lifetime of contribution” to others and the impact the imprisonment would have on his family and community in sentencing him. In court papers, they had requested that a sentence of probation with substantial community service be imposed to enable him to make amends by continuing to serve others and take care of his sons — Vivek and Vikram — who depend on him due to their medical disabilities.

U.S. District Judge Israel Leo Glasser termed the letters of support for Mr. Chatwal, from current and former employees, members of the business community and charitable organisations, as “unusual”, saying it is “quite impressive” that about 272 people and organisations wrote about Mr. Chatwal’s philanthropy initiatives and a lifetime of helping others in need.

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