Judge orders jail time for Libby in CIA leak case

The former White House aide was sentenced to 2-1/2 years in jail, plus a fine of $250,000.

from the June 6, 2007 edition

Page 2 of 2

Page 1 | 2

For Libby, the outcome might have been worse. Prosecutor Fitzgerald had asked for a sentence of 30 to 37 months.

Still, the prospect of a relatively lengthy stay in jail represents a humiliating fall in stature. Libby is the highest-ranking US official to be convicted of a crime since the Iran-contra affair of the mid-1980s.

Given the opportunity to speak at his sentencing, Libby thanked Walton for his consideration throughout the trial and asked only to be judged on his whole life. He expressed no remorse about his actions – indeed, he did not refer to the actual case at all.

While the expression of remorse can lessen a sentence, Libby has also insisted that he is innocent, and he undoubtedly will appeal his conviction.

Dozens of letters from prominent people attesting to their belief in Libby's good character were entered into the record in support of his bid for probation. Among those who weighed in were former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

But in the end, they had little effect.

"Evidence in this case overwhelmingly indicated Mr. Libby's culpability," said Walton.

Wire services were used in this report.

1 | Page 2