Friday, March 05, 2004
Martha Stewart Guilty, All Counts
Stewart was convicted Friday of obstructing justice and lying to the government about a superbly timed stock sale, a devastating verdict that probably means prison for the woman who epitomizes meticulous homemaking and gracious living.
The jury of eight women and four men deliberated three days before convicting Stewart of all counts against her. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison, but Stewart will almost certainly get much less than that under federal sentencing guidelines.
"It's almost certain that Martha Stewart will spend some time at least in jail," said CBSNews.com Legal Analyst Andrew Cohen. "Nowhere near the 20 years, probably not even five, but she'll have to get some jail time. The judge has to justify that. I imagine we'll get that this spring."
Her former stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, 41, was convicted on all but one count against him, filing a false document.
In a statement released on her Web site, Stewart said: "I am obviously distressed by the jury's verdict but I continue to take comfort in knowing that I have done nothing wrong and that I have the enduring support of my family and friends."
She said she would appeal the verdict and vowed to "continue to fight to clear my name."
©MMIV CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Stewart was convicted Friday of obstructing justice and lying to the government about a superbly timed stock sale, a devastating verdict that probably means prison for the woman who epitomizes meticulous homemaking and gracious living.
The jury of eight women and four men deliberated three days before convicting Stewart of all counts against her. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison, but Stewart will almost certainly get much less than that under federal sentencing guidelines.
"It's almost certain that Martha Stewart will spend some time at least in jail," said CBSNews.com Legal Analyst Andrew Cohen. "Nowhere near the 20 years, probably not even five, but she'll have to get some jail time. The judge has to justify that. I imagine we'll get that this spring."
Her former stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, 41, was convicted on all but one count against him, filing a false document.
In a statement released on her Web site, Stewart said: "I am obviously distressed by the jury's verdict but I continue to take comfort in knowing that I have done nothing wrong and that I have the enduring support of my family and friends."
She said she would appeal the verdict and vowed to "continue to fight to clear my name."
©MMIV CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
