Vincent Leibell: Guilty Is, As Guilty Wants

Whenever the discussions of criminals getting caught arises, someone always asks the obvious: “How much illegal activity did the perpetrator commit before they got caught?” We’d all like to know, but rarely get that insight.

In the Saturday edition of the Journal News ‘circular’, Mike Risinit’s article discusses the moves, which seem more like contortions, of the now guilty Vincent Leibell. He’s seeking to forego doing his two years of jail time by “offering” to  “serve” his time oversees helping to forge the future of countries now in turmoil, such as Libya and Iraq. Our question is a simple one: how about the turmoil Leibell create here in the Hudson Valley and New York? What can he do about that? Go to jail. Relinquish his state pension, repay the monies lost or stolen and then serve his time in jail such as other disgraced politicos as Eliot Spitzer and Alan Hevesi.

I quote from the Journal News: “Leibell's letter, along with those from his wife, Helen; his mother-in-law; his children; local officials; former Albany colleagues and others are among more than 100 letters submitted to the judge by his lawyer, David L. Lewis. The writers include former Sen. Nicholas Spano of Yonkers, Sen. Steve Saland of Poughkeepsie and Putnam County Clerk Dennis Sant. They are attached to an 84-page document in which Lewis explains why Leibell should serve no jail time.” 

First, I expect his immediate family to plead on his behalf, but wonder about his mother in law’s motivation. Sorry, bad mother-in-law joke. His attorney, David L. Lewis, says that due to Leibell’s age, no prior criminal history, his public service and his need for alcohol treatment, Leibell should not be sentenced to jail.

Second, regardless of his age, he broke the law, which has no statue of limitation on age. Once we caught him, he pled guilty and he needs to pay the price for breaking the law. If average people are convicted of a crime, they should go to jail. We also know that politicians get preferential treatment. Don’t be surprised when his punishment is meted out by the courts, it’s all house arrest with time served, community service, and probation, ultimately avoiding jail time completely. He won’t need to scheme his way out of jail. But, as a self-admitted criminal, it’s all he is used to doing.

Third, his ‘no prior criminal history’ is a joke. Poorly executed crimes by incompetent criminals usually end with their getting caught the first time around. Leibell was a skilled criminal who did not get caught for quite some time. 

Fourth, there is a criminal history, he just didn't get caught for it. His public service and illegal activities during the same period is why he got caught and pled guilty to these crimes.

Fifth, irony intended, he is in need of alcohol treatment. I believe they offer that in prison and being incarcerated is a great way to not have to worry about a relapse. This reminds me of every entertainer who hasn’t gotten any press or publicity, so they announce they were abused as a child.

Sixth, and finally, he pled guilty! He admitted he did what he was charged with. This was a blatant admission once he got caught breaking the law. Rather than have them dig into other activities of his life, and find other illegal or at least questionable dealings, knowing what they’d find, he took everything off the table with his admission of guilt.

In the end, another shamed, guilty politician’s shenanigans were brought out into the open and the cause of his demise. Let his family and friends write all the letters they’d like. Just keep these requests at arms length and give the public justice. There are many politicians and future politicians who are upstanding citizens. These are the people we want to represent us. Good luck, Mr. Leibell.