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posted by Fnord666 on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:03PM   Printer-friendly
from the oh-the-humanity! dept.

Judge denies Shkreli's "delusional self-aggrandizing" plea to get out of jail

A federal judge on Saturday denied Martin Shkreli's request for a "compassionate release" from prison, which was pitched as a way to protect him from contracting the new coronavirus—and to help him work on a cure for COVID-19 so he could save the rest of the world.

Lawyers for the infamous ex-pharmaceutical executive filed an emergency motion April 22 in a bid to free him from the slammer. They argued that Shkreli is at high risk of contracting the virus in the close quarters of federal prison and could possibly become severely ill or die. They also argued that he is in a unique position to work on a cure for the devastating viral illness now sweeping the globe. Shkreli himself publicly made that claim in early April via a scientific document outlining his preliminary efforts to develop an antiviral drug.

In the emergency motion, his lawyers argued that "Current conditions of confinement threaten his health and life and prevent him from doing work that would contribute to the betterment of society worldwide."

Though Shkreli is best known for ruthlessly jacking up the price of a lifesaving generic drug, he is serving an 84-month sentence following his 2017 conviction on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiring to commit securities fraud. The charges were in connection with an alleged Ponzi-like scheme involving two hedge funds he previously managed and his former pharmaceutical company, Retrophin. He has served 41 months of his sentence so far.

[...] [federal prosecutors] also noted that, at the time of their court filing, there were no cases of COVID-19 in staff or inmates at the facility in which Shkreli is being held, FCI Allenwood Low.


Original Submission

Related Stories

Shkreli Released From Prison to Halfway House After Serving <5 of 7 Years 20 comments

His early release reflects good behavior and completion of rehabilitation programs

Infamous ex-pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli has been released from federal prison after serving less than five years of a seven-year sentence for a securities and wire fraud conviction. He is now moving into a US Bureau of Prisons halfway house at an undisclosed location in New York until September 14, 2022.

Shkreli was convicted in August 2017 on two counts of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud in connection to what federal prosecutors called a Ponzi-like scheme involving two hedge funds Shkreli managed. In March 2018, a federal judge sentenced him to seven years, which he was serving in minimum security federal prison in Allenwood, Pennsylvania.

His early release—slightly more than four years after his sentencing—reflects time shaved off for good behavior in prison, plus completion of education and rehabilitation programs, according to CNBC. It also includes a credit for the roughly six months he spent in jail prior to his sentencing.

Previously on SoylentNews:
United States Sells Unique Wu-Tang Clan Album Forfeited by Martin Shkreli
Judge Denies Shkreli's "Delusional Self-Aggrandizing" Plea to Get Out of Jail
Shkreli Stays in Jail; Infamous Ex-Pharma CEO Quickly Loses Appeal
Martin Shkreli Accused of Running Business From Prison With a Smuggled Smartphone
Sobbing Martin Shkreli Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Defrauding Investors
Britain Fines Pfizer Record £84.2m for 2600% Drug Price Hike
Daraprim Price Lowered in Response to Outrage
Cost of Daraprim Medication Raised by Over 50 Times


Original Submission

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  • (Score: 0, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:19PM (36 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:19PM (#996548)

    Rapey McWiferaper gets out on bail because of coronavirus dangers.... I don't even wanna look up his name, campaign chief for Trump? Ick

    • (Score: 1, Troll) by khallow on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:52PM (35 children)

      by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:52PM (#996571) Journal
      I think it'd be educational to look at the shenanigans that were pulled to frame Flynn in the first place. For example [thefederalist.com]:

      Next came “Comey’s direction to ‘screw it’ in contravention of longstanding DOJ protocols,” leading McCabe to personally call Flynn to schedule the interview. Yet none of Comey’s notes on the decision to interview Flynn were turned over to defense. Even Obama-holdover “Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates candidly opined that the interview ‘was problematic’ and ‘it was not always clear what the FBI was doing to investigate Flynn,” Powell stressed. Yet again, the prosecution did not turn over Yates’ notes, but only “disclosed a seven-line summary of Ms. Yates statement six months after Mr. Flynn’s plea.”

      Following Strzok’s questioning of Flynn, he exchanged more texts with Page: “Describe the feeling, nervousness, excitement knowing we had just heard him denying it all. Knowing we’d have to pivot into asking. Puzzle round and round about it. Talk about the funny details. Remember what I said that made Andy laugh and ask if he really said that.”

      The texts also confirmed Strzok did not believe Flynn thought he was lying: “Also have some faith in and my assessment. . . . I’m finding it hard to go out on a counterintuitive yet strongly felt ledge with so many competent voices expressing what I feel too: bullsh*t – that doesn’t make sense. [] I made some joke about what F said. Something patriotic or military.” Page responded: “It was clear that you both walked in and felt very strongly, so that obviously counts for something. [] You made a joke about a military band.”

      A sealed statement from Strzok confirmed that the “agents did three briefings the day of the interview,” and that Strzok had reported that Flynn “had a sure demeanor, and he was telling the truth or believed he was—even though he did not remember it all.” This led the FBI and DOJ to then write “an internal memo dated January 30, 2017, exonerating Mr. Flynn of acting as an ‘agent of Russia’” and expressing no concern of a possible Logan Act violation.

      But then things change.

      “On February 10, 2017, the news broke—attributed to ‘senior intelligence officials’—that Mr. Flynn had discussed sanctions with Ambassador Kislyak, contrary to what Vice President Pence had said on television previously.” Following this leak, “overnight,” Flynn’s 302 [an initial transcript report which is supposed to contain the raw information in the interview] was changed—and substantively so. “Those changes added an unequivocal statement that ‘FLYNN stated he did not’—in response to whether Mr. Flynn had asked Kislyak to vote in a certain manner or slow down the UN vote.”

      “This is a deceptive manipulation” Powell highlighted, “because, as the notes of the agents show, Mr. Flynn was not even sure he had spoken to Russia/Kislyak on this issue. He had talked to dozens of countries.” The overnight changes to the 302 also included the addition of a line, indicating Flynn had been question on whether “KISLYAK described any Russian response to a request by FLYNN.”

      But the agent’s notes do not include that question or answer, Powell stressed, yet it was later made into the criminal offense charges against Flynn. And “the draft also shows that the agents moved a sentence to make it seem to be an answer to a question it was not,” Powell added.

      Then, the day after those changes were made, Strzok texted Page asking: “Also, is Andy good with F 302?” Page replied: “Launch f302.” Simultaneously, David Laufman in the National Security Division of DOJ, called Flynn’s law firm, Covington and Burling, to pressure them to file the FARA registration form for Flynn Intel Group. Those FARA registration forms would later be used to press Flynn to plead guilty.

      It's interesting how quickly this case turned around once Flynn picked up good legal representation (he picked up new lawyer Sydney Powell in mid-2019). Basically, he pleads guilty in early 2019, fires his former defense team a few months later, gets a new lawyer who has to start from scratch to protect her client and dig him out of the hole that his guilty plea put him in, and is a free man a year later.

      That indicates to me that not only was the case against him remarkably flimsy and corrupt, but his previous defense attorneys were either very incompetent or colluding with the prosecutors. Flynn has made allegations [thegatewaypundit.com] that if true, seem to indicate such collusion. For example, in an early meeting asking Flynn if he "had anything" on Trump, claiming it would help strengthen their case against the government if he did. He also claims they also pressured him into agreeing to a plea bargain, claiming that he and his son would be subject to prosecution for multiple felonies and withheld important information from him (such as FBI agents at the interview in question believing he was telling the truth).

      • (Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:30PM (14 children)

        by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:30PM (#996597)

        > It's interesting how quickly this case turned around once Trump dangled a pardon

        FTFY dipshit

        • (Score: 1, Informative) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:08AM (13 children)

          by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:08AM (#996667) Journal
          Sorry, read the quotes. There was a lot more going on than Trump dangling pardons - for example, editing the initial transcripts of Flynn's interview to make him look guilty.
          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:08AM (8 children)

            by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:08AM (#996700)

            There was a lot more going on

            Could it be, Treason? In like Flynn! Russian operative. The man confessed. Now, if he claims he was lying about lying to the Feds, he was still lying. So guilty as charged, and confessed.

            • (Score: 1, Disagree) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:34AM (2 children)

              by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:34AM (#996724) Journal
              And now, he's unconfessed. Turns out you can take that back.
              • (Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:36AM (1 child)

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:36AM (#996813)

                "Confess, or do not. There is no unconfess." Yoda, you pathetic libertariantard impersonating an actual lawyer! If he "unconfesses" he opens himself up to charges of perjury, and we know how much Republicans like that charge. And, if he wasn't lying, he actually was collaborating with the Russians to get an imbecile into the White House to destroy America? You know, that there, that's illegal, too. No marmots in the city limits, Dude.

                • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:32PM

                  by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:32PM (#996930) Journal

                  If he "unconfesses" he opens himself up to charges of perjury

                  For what? A plea bargain isn't made under oath.

            • (Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:06PM (4 children)

              by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:06PM (#996882) Journal

              Yes, treason. Treasonous bastards working overtime to make America believe that it's president belongs to Russia. Treason by the FBI, along with mainstream media. And, don't forget the DNC. They were working to impeach the Trump before he was even sworn in, FFS.

              • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:02PM

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:02PM (#996944)

                Lol, sure pal, reality isn't real, take that red pill and listen to some more fascist propaganda. Your fascist coup is incredibly transparent, gotta love Trump attacking democracy now. Doesn't want mail in ballots because then they can't cheat the election again.

                Deep down you know this is true which is why we've had 3+ years of "she lost get over it" nonsense and attempts to explain why people underwhelmingly voted for Trump. Even with voting machine fraud Trump still lost the popular vote.

                If only you had the mental fortitude to see that you're supporting fascism. Ah well, see you on the battlefield ya worthless blob.

              • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @06:18PM (2 children)

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @06:18PM (#997026)

                No. Not treason.

                18 USC 2831

                [quote]Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.[/quote]

                None of the things you imply come close to that. Unlike actions Trump has taken, such as the Syrian pullout, use of the Office of the President of the United States for diplomatic leverage to favor his campaign, the systematic undermining of Inspectors General because it may be damaging to his personal image, directly lying to the American public about Coronavirus and making misleading scientific statements, and his complete inability to separate himself from the American State (acting as a ideologic demigod), his enmeshment with Russia at the expense of relations with actual allies of the U.S. … Let's just say that adherence to the enemies of the United States is exactly what Donald Trump has been doing, OK?

                • (Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday May 20 2020, @11:43PM (1 child)

                  by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @11:43PM (#997152) Journal

                  Enemies, foreign and domestic. The DNC is a domestic enemy of the United States.

                  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:02AM

                    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:02AM (#997221)

                    Awww, Runaway I thought you'd gotten past your suspiciously Russian shill behavior, but I guess you're trying the ol' faithful method of GOP gaslighting.

          • (Score: 3, Insightful) by ilPapa on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:00AM (3 children)

            by ilPapa (2366) on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:00AM (#996751) Journal

            There was a lot more going on than Trump dangling pardons - for example, editing the initial transcripts of Flynn's interview to make him look guilty.

            So then why not release the tapes of the Flynn/Kislyak phone calls? All of them?

            And most of all, why did Flynn, 1) lie to the FBI and 2) perjure himself in court? Both of those are crimes that you or I would get put away for. Why should Flynn be treated differently than any other US criminal?

            --
            You are still welcome on my lawn.
            • (Score: 1, Insightful) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:55AM (2 children)

              by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:55AM (#996763) Journal

              So then why not release the tapes of the Flynn/Kislyak phone calls? All of them?

              I see several reasons. First, they're diplomatic conversations between the Russian ambassador and an incoming Trump administration official. Second, they might have information in them that reveals something of US intelligence gathering capabilities to the Russians or intelligence organizations. OTOH, Judge Sullivan who is overseeing the case supposedly had at one point ordered them made public subject to possible redaction - presumably, an informed decision.

              • (Score: -1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:06PM (1 child)

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:06PM (#996946)

                Lol, what a fucking worm you are. Guess it was only a matter of time until you finally broke the "calm and rat-ional" approach. It is quite effective psychologically, but ultimately without substance it fails as you've seen. Now you're finally letting the mask slip, I wonder what got to you. The refutations of the fake news you desperately want to believe???

                Perhaps it is the corruption and lies finally reaching the breaking point of your capacity to suspend disbelief? The sub-conscious dam is breaking?

                • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:31PM

                  by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:31PM (#996960) Journal
                  I think it was the continued criminal behavior by the FBI. They've played these entrapment games for decades, perhaps even their entire existence. Similarly, plea bargaining has gotten very abusive. This case stands a chance of denting both.
      • (Score: 1, Flamebait) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:12AM (19 children)

        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:12AM (#996627)

        He plead guilty, and you think it was a frame job? Truly you are the spectacle of absolute stupidity around here. You're making TMB look downright reasonable!

        • (Score: 0, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @01:38AM

          by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @01:38AM (#996652)

          Hey Einstein, let me school you on US law. There's a thing called "plea bargaining". https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/plea_bargain [cornell.edu]

          Since your Covid-19 addled microbrain won't comprehend that concept, I'll 'splain: in USA, the legal system is NOT about right and wrong. Generally if you're accused of something, 99.999% of people are sure you're guilty, and you're burnt toast. The remaining 0.001% try their best through an initiative called "The Innocence Project" https://www.innocenceproject.org/ [innocenceproject.org] Of course they're overwhelmed at best, and generally focus on Death Penalty cases.

          If you plead "not guilty" because you're innocent, but can't mount an amazing and extremely expensive defense, you get the maximum sentence. Most attorneys advise their clients to take the sure thing of the lesser sentence offered in the plea bargain agreement. This might help you with that concept: https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=20/05/19/0316235 [soylentnews.org]

          Oh, and BTW, plea bargains come with many strings attached, including a very short time-frame, preventing the innocent accused from mounting a defense.

        • (Score: 1, Troll) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:10AM (16 children)

          by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:10AM (#996669) Journal

          He plead guilty, and you think it was a frame job?

          He's free now and there's all this evidence of shenanigans on the FBI side. Sure looks like a frame job to me.

          • (Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:13AM

            by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:13AM (#996702)

            Sure looks like a frame job to me.

            Sure it does, khallow! But that is only because you have aspirations of sucking up to richies, and Republicans in general. You could be making a serious mistake. Russian oligarchs don't mess around, khallow.

          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:30AM (10 children)

            by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:30AM (#996718)

            Hehehehe, no wonder you're so wacked. Reading news sources like that. Pure conspiracy click bait elevating the desperate arguments of Flynn's lawyers into supposed news article.

            I've read similar type of articles from left wing outlets so this isn't a partisan attack.

            Here is a less ranty take https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/12/16/michael-flynn-judge-rejects-claims-fbi-doj-framed-him/2667201001/ [usatoday.com]

            and another

            https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/29/probation-appropriate-sentence-michael-flynn-feds-say/4616301002/ [usatoday.com]

            My favorite bit -

            “Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said. "I cannot assure you that, if you proceed today, you will not be sentenced to a period of incarceration."

            The judge suggested Flynn seek a sentencing delay until his cooperation was complete so it could count in his favor.

            After that hearing, Flynn hired Powell and went from cooperating with the government to challenging its tactics.

            Pending a decision on Flynn's plea challenge, a new sentencing date has been scheduled for Feb. 27.

            So Flynn fired Powell, and he supposedly couldn't remember discussing sanctions with a Russian diplomat. So strange how so many around Trump get convicted of crimes and can't remember details from their VERY important meetings with foreign agents. If Flynn or Pompeo was working for Obama you'd be howling for blood over "can't remember" regarding issues of national security.

            But ok Mr. Rational, keep telling us how logical you are, how you only follow facts, or whatever nonsense you want to excuse yourself with. I'm guessing you don't even realize Trump is a racist :D

            • (Score: 0, Offtopic) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:55AM (9 children)

              by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:55AM (#996735) Journal

              “Arguably, you sold your country out,” Sullivan said. "I cannot assure you that, if you proceed today, you will not be sentenced to a period of incarceration."

              The judge may be taken off [sidneypowell.com] the case for those ridiculous remarks too. After all, even if every was as the FBI claimed, Flynn didn't sell anyone out. That's fantasy added by the judge after the fact. We'll see, but looks like I was premature [sidneypowell.com] about Flynn being out of the woods.

              In June 2019, General Flynn fired his defense team and current counselappeared—immediately requestingBradymaterial from the Government.When informal requestswere unsuccessfuland AUSABrandon Van Grack (on detail to the Special Counsel’s Office) claimedhe had produced everything to which the defense was entitled, General Flynn filed aMotion to Compel the Production of BradyMaterial and For an Order to Show Cause. ECF No. 109. After extensivebriefing, ECF No. 129, 132, 135,Judge Sullivan issued a 92-page denial on December 16, 2019.ECF No. 144.

              [...] Months of contentious litigation culminated on April 24, 2020, when the Government produced four pages of long-withheldBrady material. ECF 6No. 180.Alatertranche of damning evidence showed that the FBI interview was a setupand the 302 was doctored—just as GeneralFlynn had suggested. ECF Nos. 187, 188, 189. On May 7, 2020, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia acknowledgedthe Government’s longstanding failure to produce Bradyevidence and thelack of a legitimate basis for what amounted to a charge fabricated against General Flynn,andthe Government moved to dismiss the Information with prejudice in the interest of justice.ECF No. 198. The Government acknowledged that General Flynn’s statements to the FBI were not materialto a legitimate investigation,and there was nocrime.Id.

              (Formating issues with the PDF copy/paste.) On something you wrote:

              So Flynn hired Powell, and he supposedly couldn't remember discussing sanctions with a Russian diplomat. So strange how so many around Trump get convicted of crimes and can't remember details from their VERY important meetings with foreign agents. If Flynn or Pompeo was working for Obama you'd be howling for blood over "can't remember" regarding issues of national security.

              Another defense point here is that the details that couldn't be remembered weren't material to any FBI investigations ("The Government acknowledged that General Flynn’s statements to the FBI were not material to a legitimate investigation"). There's so much wrong here.

              • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @06:15AM (8 children)

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @06:15AM (#996767)

                Flynn didn't sell anyone out.

                He sold out his country, violated his oath as an officer of the USofA military. The man is the lowest kind of scumsucking lime lizard. He needs to be executed, or electradicted, or exfibrillated. I think he is suffering from early onset conservative mind loss. And, of course, the obvious implication is, that he betrays all humanity by selling out his own country to the corrupt grifter Trump, and his Ruskie "friends". Enemy of humanity. Not a nice person. Un-American.

                • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @07:37AM (6 children)

                  by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @07:37AM (#996785) Journal
                  You have evidence?
                  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:38AM (5 children)

                    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:38AM (#996814)

                    He confessed? Without being tortured by the CIA? Pretty damning evidence, if you are not suffering from TDS.

                    • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:30PM (4 children)

                      by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:30PM (#996929) Journal

                      He confessed? Without being tortured by the CIA?

                      The story is that he and his son were looking at multiple felonies, if he didn't plead guilty. Plea bargaining is a thing.

                      Pretty damning evidence, if you are not suffering from TDS.

                      But it doesn't distinguish between innocence and guilt, thus isn't evidence.

                      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:12PM (3 children)

                        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:12PM (#996949)

                        Gotta love how flimsy evidence is when it is your team on the block, but you were happy to witch hunt Hillary and Biden. Of course when their investigations came up with nothing you STILL believe they are guilty and the DEEP STATE is to blame. Seriously, time to take your meds.

                        If you had a spine you'sd be demanding to see all the evidence, but again when it is your team you're MORE THAN HAPPY to accept excuses for why we can't see it. READ THE REPORT NOT THE MEMO :D :D :D

                        • (Score: 2, Interesting) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:37PM (2 children)

                          by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:37PM (#996964) Journal

                          Gotta love how flimsy evidence is when it is your team on the block

                          Back at you on that one. The only evidence for Flynn's alleged guilt is this plea bargain for the crime of lying to FBI agents. Since it's been taken back, it's no longer evidence, as far as I'm concerned. Threatening the defendant with a much longer sentence, if they don't plead guilty, is a little classier than beating up the suspect for said confession, but it has the same credibility.

                          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @08:22PM (1 child)

                            by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @08:22PM (#997558)

                            Mental gymnastics, if only they actually improved your brain. I'm tired of every bit of evidence getting dismissed as hearsay. These criminals aren't breaking into a bank, they are communicating with foreign agents to further their corruption and make treasonous deals. He lied to FBI agents, that is a crime and it is not being disputed, yet you and the other propaganda outlets keep trying to spin it as the "deep state" or "bbbut Obama" as if that changes the fact. Lying was his choice, and no amount of hand wringing is going to change that or make it anyone's fault but his own.

                            The best bit is how the spin tries to accuse Obama, who as far as all the actual evidence shows did not get involved with the Flynn investigation, while Trump is actively interfering in every investigation relating to himself or anyone related to his admin/campaign. You have no honor, no integrity, and you should feel deep shame in falling for these lies and mind games.

                            • (Score: 1) by khallow on Friday May 22 2020, @08:15PM

                              by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Friday May 22 2020, @08:15PM (#997967) Journal

                              I'm tired of every bit of evidence getting dismissed as hearsay.

                              Some of it isn't even hearsay. The FBI apparently fabricated some statements by Flynn with the Flynn interview transcript, for example.

                              “On February 10, 2017, the news broke—attributed to ‘senior intelligence officials’—that Mr. Flynn had discussed sanctions with Ambassador Kislyak, contrary to what Vice President Pence had said on television previously.” Following this leak, “overnight,” Flynn’s 302 [an initial transcript report which is supposed to contain the raw information in the interview] was changed—and substantively so. “Those changes added an unequivocal statement that ‘FLYNN stated he did not’—in response to whether Mr. Flynn had asked Kislyak to vote in a certain manner or slow down the UN vote.”

                              “This is a deceptive manipulation” Powell highlighted, “because, as the notes of the agents show, Mr. Flynn was not even sure he had spoken to Russia/Kislyak on this issue. He had talked to dozens of countries.” The overnight changes to the 302 also included the addition of a line, indicating Flynn had been question on whether “KISLYAK described any Russian response to a request by FLYNN.”

                              But the agent’s notes do not include that question or answer, Powell stressed, yet it was later made into the criminal offense charges against Flynn. And “the draft also shows that the agents moved a sentence to make it seem to be an answer to a question it was not,” Powell added.

                              Moving on, you wrote:

                              These criminals aren't breaking into a bank, they are communicating with foreign agents to further their corruption and make treasonous deals.

                              Show evidence then. I'll just note that bald assertions don't even rise to the standard of hearsay.

                              The best bit is how the spin tries to accuse Obama, who as far as all the actual evidence shows did not get involved with the Flynn investigation

                              What does "involved" mean here? For example, this [usatoday.com] indicates some degree of involvement.

                              Rice sent herself an email on the day of Trump's inauguration that recounts a Jan. 5, 2017, Oval Office meeting she attended along with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, FBI Director James Comey and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. She described the meeting as a "follow-on conversation" after a briefing by intelligence community leaders on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

                              [...]

                              Those portions of the email were made public in 2018. In the previously redacted portion of the email (see below) that acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified this week, Comey shared his "concerns" about Flynn's conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

                              Director Comey affirmed that he is proceeding "by the book" as it relates to law enforcement. From a national security perspective, Comey said he does have some concerns that incoming NSA Flynn is speaking frequently with Russian Ambassador Kislyak. Comey said that could be an issue as it relates to sharing sensitive information. President Obama asked if Comey was saying that the NSC should not pass sensitive information related to Russia to Flynn. Comey replied, "potentially." He added that he has no indication thus far that Flynn has passed classified information to Kislyak, but he noted that the "level of communication is unusual."

                              Conveniently enough, after that meeting Comey indeed did not share said information with Flynn and the interrogation of Flynn, which was misrepresented by the FBI as being routine, occurred around January 20 and 21, 2017. The email doesn't support Obama planning the events directly (but of course, not evidence against that either), but he was informed ahead of time giving him opportunity to be more involved than he already was.

                • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:13PM

                  by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:13PM (#996889)

                  I think . . .

                  Why would you lie to us like that, Aristarchus?

          • (Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:50PM (3 children)

            by DeathMonkey (1380) on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:50PM (#996971) Journal

            He's free now...

            Not yet he's not.

            If you need to lie about the basic facts of the case then why should we trust any of your other statements?

            • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:52PM (2 children)

              by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:52PM (#996973) Journal
              I made that correction [soylentnews.org] last night. And being wrong about something doesn't mean one is lying.
              • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:06AM (1 child)

                by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:06AM (#997226)

                If only your integrity extended to your critical thinking skills. So far you're willing to believe proven liars and deny facts. George Carlin would be proud, right up until he found out your jokes were serious.

                • (Score: 1) by khallow on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:26AM

                  by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:26AM (#997237) Journal
                  While we can see right here that such integrity doesn't extend to you at all. Saying something is so, doesn't make it so. I gave my reasons for my thinking. You ignoring those reasons completely doesn't bode well for the integrity of your critical thinking skills, should you have them!
        • (Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:46PM

          by DeathMonkey (1380) on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:46PM (#996967) Journal
  • (Score: 4, Interesting) by takyon on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:41PM (5 children)

    by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:41PM (#996564) Journal

    Some kind of release to become a monitored human test subject for coronavirus treatments.

    --
    [SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
    • (Score: 2, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:53PM (1 child)

      by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @09:53PM (#996572)

      Some kind of release to become a monitored human test subject for coronavirus treatments.

      But rats and scum don't qualify as human.

      • (Score: 1, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:33PM

        by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:33PM (#996598)

        Exactly! That's why we want to experiment on him first! Save the rat.

    • (Score: -1, Troll) by Ethanol-fueled on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:36PM (2 children)

      by Ethanol-fueled (2792) on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:36PM (#996599) Homepage

      Such as These?! [abc7.com] Way to go, Chink-paid Californian government! It's like you know your number's up so you destroy your state any way you can! Come to my hood, in the virtual game of Minecraft, we know how to deal with spies...in Minecraft.

      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:04AM

        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:04AM (#996624)

        Your link is borked, but the story is covered elsewhere. If states can release these scumbags [redstate.com] there's no reason to keep a middling narcissistic fraudster like Shkreli locked away.

      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:17AM

        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:17AM (#996629)

        Lol, I can just imagine you being Notch. Your views seem to align pretty well. How sad if a multimillionaire has nothing better to do than troll tech sites :-[

  • (Score: 3, Insightful) by Booga1 on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:03PM

    by Booga1 (6333) on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:03PM (#996579)

    ...the prosecutors highlighted an assertion by the Probation Department that Shkreli’s “belief that he can develop a cure for COVID-19, something that has so far eluded the best medical and scientific minds in the world working around the clock, is not only a practice in wild and completely unfounded speculation, but is indicative of the same kind of delusional self-aggrandizing behavior” that led to the offenses for which he was convicted in the first place.

    Judge Matsumoto cited this assertion in her ruling. She said, “In any event, Mr. Shkreli’s self-described altruistic intentions do not provide a legal basis to grant his motion.”

    Just because Shkreli didn't physically have his hand in people's pockets* doesn't mean he should be freed from consequences of his crimes.

    *: I know he's in jail for robbing investors and companies, not directly robbing people.

  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by anubi on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:29PM (2 children)

    by anubi (2828) on Tuesday May 19 2020, @10:29PM (#996595) Journal

    The Judge saw what was going on.

    What little this Shkreli is worth, as a human, is less than that of a lab rat.

    I am out of character here, Bui I actually pray he does become a lab rat to help others in a search for a vaccine. After reading what he has done with what was given him, I have a negative worth for this guy;
      Below worthless.

    --
    "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
    • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:34AM (1 child)

      by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:34AM (#996683) Journal
      Further, even if Shkreli were sincere about helping with a cure, what can he do? There's probably many dozen projects already out there working. He'd be probably a year behind any who started at the beginning of the epidemic, if he were to throw together his own team. That means joining an existing team. Aside from funding, which he probably can direct from behind bars, there's not much he can contribute.
      • (Score: 3, Informative) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:18PM

        by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:18PM (#996891) Journal

        Team? Shkrelli is no team member. Certainly not a team captain, or a coach - he couldn't even be a proper team mate. Everythingi Shkrelli has ever done, was all about Shkrelli.

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @11:00PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 19 2020, @11:00PM (#996612)

    Hopefully the judge orated those words at him in a Clark Griswold kind of tone

  • (Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:46AM (7 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:46AM (#996637)

    Considering the love affair between the american people and psychopaths in the last few decades, I think he has a good chance at the presidency when he gets out.

    • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:49AM (6 children)

      by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:49AM (#996685) Journal

      Considering the love affair between the american people and psychopaths in the last few decades, I think he has a good chance at the presidency when he gets out.

      I'm sure it feels comforting to believe that you're somehow smarter, more moral, and perceptive than the average voter. But actual business people and politicians that cross lot of people do really poorly. Carly Fiorina has never done well at the polls. Whatever else you can say about Trump and the wreckage he's left behind, he didn't generate a lot of enemies prior to getting elected President (and going the anti-immigration route). Most of the present hate is merely because he got elected based on a relatively extreme position that a lot of people don't like.

      I'm sure a third of US voters will flip out about whoever gets elected next too. It is what it is.

      I doubt Shkreli, when he gets out, can even run in all 50 states due to his felony. But even if he did run, people who suffered from his excesses will make sure he doesn't get elected. Because it's not merely the loyal political opposition who would be pissed off. It'd be people spread out over every large faction, including the core ones that Shkreli would have to rely on to motivate other voters and get elected.

      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:58AM (5 children)

        by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:58AM (#996690)

        Screwed the small guys, sucked up to the big fish. A real hero you picked there.

        • (Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:10AM (4 children)

          by khallow (3766) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:10AM (#996701) Journal
          If you're the same AC as before, I'll note that there appears to be a pattern of condescension. Maybe you'd be better served figuring out other viewpoints than telling us why yours is better.
          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:17AM

            by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:17AM (#996705)

            It is not condescension when you really are that stupid, khallow! Get used to it! And stop pretending you have a "viewpoint". We all know it is just a "pitch".

          • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:33AM (2 children)

            by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @03:33AM (#996721)

            Ha ha!

            Wasn't me!

            Seems more than one person has finally seen enough of your bullshit. Time to dust off a sock puppet, or disappear for a month and come back with a new 5 digit ID. I imagine you have more of a backbone than that, which is probably why you're so stubborn about your beliefs imagining that you're the paragon of logic.

            • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:40AM (1 child)

              by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @09:40AM (#996815)

              Ha, Ha! Wasn't me, either, and I am definitely another AC. We are legion. Khallow is dense, except around the backbone area.

              • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:39PM

                by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:39PM (#996849)

                I'm Sparticus!

  • (Score: 2, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @08:27AM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @08:27AM (#996796)

    people like Shkreli..

    Your society presents them as an ideal to strive for.
    You ignore the evil they do, you magic reasons why they should continue to breathe...

    Your look at everything that works in the world with contempt or sadistic glee, always ready to destroy what you haven't built in order to make people dependent on you and your American evil.

    When you have abandoned your humanity and worship Rage, Pain and Profit exclusively... What else do you deserve, but to be subservient to people like this fine specimen?

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:23AM

      by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21 2020, @03:23AM (#997234)

      That shit has extended pretty pervasively into society, but rest assured the majority of Americans are not such immoral and hypocritical assholes. That still leaves tens of millions who are, but the idealistic America is still here and fighting against the rise of fascism.

  • (Score: 2) by Captival on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:38PM (4 children)

    by Captival (6866) on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:38PM (#996848)

    Liberals are much too busy releasing child abusers [washingtontimes.com], repeat murderers [usatoday.com], and rapists [cbslocal.com]. But they can't be soft of a CEO, he might get out and start another company! We certainly can't have that!

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:44PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @12:44PM (#996851)

      This is worse than pardoning treasonists and war criminals? Someone needs to be hit with a Constitutional clue-by-four.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @01:57PM (2 children)

      by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @01:57PM (#996878)

      I read each of those articles, and I find it interesting that you seem to think they are all the fault of liberals.

      It sounded like defense attorneys to me. I didn't see any political group involvement in them at all.

      I am guessing you are one of those that looks at COVID-19 and says "Thanks, Obama?"

      • (Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:23PM (1 child)

        by Runaway1956 (2926) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday May 20 2020, @02:23PM (#996894) Journal

        No, not "Thanks, Obama." "Thanks, Kissinger." Fekkin' liberals are all alike.

        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:16PM

          by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @04:16PM (#996952)

          Hi worm, I see the early bird missed you. Always tomorrow! crosses fingers

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:24PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20 2020, @05:24PM (#996985)

    The only reason Shkreli is in prison is because he put out a bounty for Hillary Clinton's hair in exchange for 5000 USD. The clinton got offended and wanted to have him killed but his high profile as Pharma Bro saved him but he had to get the maximum sentence possible in the very dis-honorable US justice system. Anyone who thinks US justice system does justice and deserves respect is delusional or insane.

    If Shkreli's only excuse to be sent to prison was securities fraud, then remember that after the 2008 financial crisis, no banker went to prison, including Lloyd Blankfein, who wrote in an email that people were buying shit from them (low quality debt that was rated AAA).

    So, Shkreli's crime is allegedly threatening Clinton and also exposing the neurological disease she has.

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