Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 12, 1990 TAG: 9006120136
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The former national security adviser in the Ronald Reagan White House was the only one of seven convicted in the scandal to draw a prison term. Poindexter The others, including two former White House officials, were placed on probation or required to perform community service.
The retired rear admiral, standing ramrod straight before U.S. District Judge Harold H. Greene, looked grim and pursed his lips upon hearing the sentence. But he managed a faint smile as he walked to embrace his wife, Linda, in the front row of the courtroom.
He refused to speak with reporters later, driving off with his lawyers after briefly thanking a group of flag-waving supporters who demonstrated outside the courthouse.
Greene allowed him to remain free until a ruling on his appeal, which is likely to occur next year. The judge did not impose any fine, noting that Poindexter had already incurred large legal bills.
Dan K. Webb, the associate independent counsel who prosecuted the case, told reporters later that the sentence was "very fair and very proper." Webb said it should alert other public officials that "when you serve in high government office. . . you must do so with the highest levels of integrity and honesty."
Before sentencing, Poindexter's lead attorney argued that "what he did, he did for his country."
Poindexter, who did not take the witness stand at his trial, faced a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and fines of $1.25 million.
by CNB