update: details for this post were texted to me late Friday afternoon from a source in the courtroom, and some of those were inaccurate. I’ve updated the post.
Statement offered by Communications LAB, Orange CA
Today marks the end of a long, painful journey for Ms. Rafiei and, understandably, the closing of this chapter has caused heightened emotions and profound reflection. Therefore, she will not be speaking with the press today.
She is eternally grateful to her son, her family and those friends who have stood by her with unwavering love and support, and she wishes each of them to know her profound gratitude for their encouragement.
The judge declined to accept the plea agreement between the DoJ and the defense. Rafiei will serve a six month prison sentence and then three years of probation with a fine. She must report to prison at the end of September, so will likely serve less jail time. This sentence is far worse than what former Anaheim a mayor Harry Sidhu got (a two month sentence for which he only served about three weeks) and will likely be less than what former Anaheim Chamber lead Todd Ament will get when he’s sentenced in November. Ament’s case was heard before Rafiei’s case, to have one fraud charge dismissed, and the judge was quite agitated which carried over to Rafiei’s hearing.
For how long will she lose her right to vote? Nine months?