by KYW's Tony Hanson
Former CBS-3 television news anchor and convicted felon Larry Mendte was being sentenced on Monday for what the prosecutor calls a monumental, two-year long, underhanded assault on the privacy of former co-anchor Alycia Lane (see related stories).
Mendte, 51, faces possible maximum sentence of five years in prison, but a federal guideline sentence calls for probation to up to six months in prison.
Mendte's wife, Channel 29 news anchor Dawn Stensland, submitted a letter to the court asking the judge to "have mercy" on her husband.
Read Dawn Stensland's Letter (.pdf)
Mendte pleaded guilty in federal court in August:
"How do you plead to count one? Guilty or not guilty?
(Mendte): "Guilty."
(Judge): "Mr. Mendte, are you pleading guilty because you are in fact guilty as charged?"
(Mendte): "Yes I am."
Prosecutor Michael Levy says Mendte read at least 500 private e-mails -- and maybe as many as 3,000 or more -- in an attempt to humiliate co-anchor Alycia Lane and destroy her career.
The defense is arguing for probation, citing Mendte’s community service, acceptance of responsibility, and remorse.
As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution is not recommending a specific sentence, only laying out the facts and addressing the factors in sentencing, including deterrence.
Both CBS-3 (KYW-TV) and KYW Newsradio 1060 are owned by CBS, Inc.
(File photo from CBS-3)
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