KIDS GLOVES? Rochester Drug Co-op Doud Gets 27 Months Not 15 Years US Sought for Corporate Oxy Sales - analysis here

By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Maxwell Book

SDNY COURTHOUSE, March 8 – A major opioids jury trial began on January 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Inner City Press covered the trial, to its February 2 conclusion in two guilty verdicts. 

  Laurence F. Doud III, the former CEO of Rochester Drug Co-operative, was indicted in 2019, and the case was assigned to District Judge George B. Daniels, who presided over the trial.   

  On February 2 the jury returned with guilty on both counts. Sentencing was set for June 29. Then it was extended to September 21. On August 22 Doud through counsel call his prosecution and conviction as a CEO unprecedented, and asked for "a non-incarceratory sentence" - that is, NO jail time - and that in any event he remain released on bail pending appeal.

When Doud was sentenced on March 8, 2023, Inner City Press was there. He got 27 months, a $100,000 fine and, yes, bail pending appeal. Thread here:

Now at sentencing for corporate drug dealing of Doud. US wants 15 years. Judge is disputing that all drugs were diverted. 

Doud's Rochester Drug Co-op sold oxy to red flagged pharmacies. But Judge says not all sales were illegitimate.

Defense lawyer: We agree!

Judge Daniels (laughing) I'm sure you do. This sentencing is still at guidelines calculation stage... Judge Daniels: So I find offense level 18, guideline27 to 33 months. [US was asking for 15 years. Ruling seems like a big loss for them. Story coming

 Doud's lawyer: My client is religious, but he is imperfect. We've learned only recently of the dangers of opioids.

Doud's lawyer. Repeats: We ask for a non custodial sentence [no jail time]. He's retired, he's 79. In terms of general deterrence, arrest and conviction have been enough. Social media publicized both. We also want release / bail pending appeal- despite presumption

 Note: This defense lawyer is apparently being paid by the word. The sentencing has been going for 2 hours..

Doud himself: I had no malice. I just did a lousy job. Thank you. Judge Daniels: I will apply the recalculated guidelines. The US has asked for too much. But non incarceratory is not sufficient. I sentence you to 27 months.

 Judge: Also a $100,000 fine.  [Doud and his long winded lawyer are whispering] Judge: I will stay jail time pending appeal, 90 days after 2nd Circuit decision. AUSA: We object.

More analysis below