After Hild Guilty Verdict He Gets 44 Months But Wants Pending Appeal on Dusing Grounds
By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon, Podcast Vlog
SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Jan 27 – Michael Hild was arraigned for fraud on Live Well Financial's reverse mortgages and home equity conversion mortgages by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Ronnie Abrams on September 5, 2019. Inner City Press covered it, here.
On January 27, 2023, Hild was sentenced to 44 months (and, it seems, $22 million in forfeiture). Inner City Press was there and live tweeted, here
OK- now at sentencing of mortgage fraudster Hild, which starts an hour late
Hild's lawyer contests loss amount, says it "may well be zero." Judge rejects argument. Says loss may be over $69 million, 24 level enhancement.
Judge: The guidelines will be higher than the sentencing I am considering. But I am imposing the 2 levels for obstruction of justice. He made false statements under oath. Hild's lawyer: Yes he got over $1 million, but it was for his work.
Judge: Guideline is 324 to 405 months. The parties agree to a variance, but not as to how much.
Hild's lawyer: His wife and brother in law are here. They lived modestly. He has 40 letters. We want zero to 36 months
Hild's lawyer: He is not a risk to re-offend. We rest on our papers AUSA: He paid himself large personal guarantee payments to the end. We are asking for 15 years. It was about greed.
[Hild shakes his head]
Hild: Can I use the podium? I'm sorry to all impacted
Hild: I'm sorry to the City of Richmond, and to those seeking to preserve the Chesapeake Bay. I have a bottomless pit of remorse. My wife's life and career have been devastated. There has been a stalker.
Judge Abrams: Mr Hild's conduct was brazen. He cashed out with millions. He looked for a "slimy" counterparty. There were recorded calls. He tried to hide money by transfers to his wife. There is a need for general deterrence. I sentence Mr Hild to 44 months. [$22 million forfeiture mentioned]
Hild's lawyer: We want bail pending our appeal, which has a novel issue.
Judge Abrams: I don't think Mr Dusing's outrageous conduct will result in a new trial. AUSA: We'll brief.
Judge: I won't set a surrender date yet.
After the guilty verdict, one of the Hild jurors requesting anonymity has told Inner City Press:
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