Rep. Tierney's Wife Gets 30 Days In Prison
BOSTON (CBS/AP) - The wife of U.S. Rep. John Tierney has been sentenced to 30 days in prison on tax charges for helping her brother conceal income from an illegal offshore gambling business.
Under a plea agreement, prosecutors had asked that Patrice Tierney be sentenced to two years of probation, with three months spent in home confinement. Tierney's lawyer asked for straight probation.
But U.S. District Court Judge William Young said at a sentencing hearing on Thursday that Tierney should be given some prison time as a deterrent. The prison sentence will be followed by five months of home confinement as part of two years supervised release.
Patrice Tierney and her husband were quick to release statements on the sentencing, both expressing their disappointment with the punishment.
Patrice said that while she took responsibility for decisions she made, she was "surprised" by the ruling because it was "not in line with the U.S. Attorney's recommendation". Rep. Tierney echoed his wife's sentiments, and expressed support for his wife, saying "Patrice will continue to act with the strength and grace she has shown throughout this process".
Patrice reiterated Judge Young's reported comments stated during Thursday's hearing, that her husband, Rep. Tierney, was not involved in any of her brother's illegal activities.
John Tierney, a Democrat who has represented the 6th Congressional District since 1997, has said his wife was betrayed by her brother and believed his income came from selling or licensing software to legal Internet gambling businesses.
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