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The hearing for Aaron Troodler, the former Ramapo assistant town attorney, who pleaded guilty and received a lesser sentence of two to four years, was rescheduled for Jan. 2, in order to allow testimony to continue in the St. Lawrence hearing.
U.S. Judge Cathy Seibel is hearing testimony on how much money investors may have lost from the duo's fraudulent bond scheme in order to construct a baseball stadium and help hide the town's financial woes.
St. Lawrence attorneys have argued the amount is lower than previously stated. The amount lost by investors will play into how much time he is given by the judge.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has recommended a sentence of 11.25 to 14 years in prison; St. Lawrence's lawyer, Michael Burke, is calling for probation, and U.S. probation officials have recommended 2 1/2 years in prison.
While the hearing is happening, local taxpayers are hopping on the bandwagon by starting a petition on ipetitions that says they, as taxpayers, were hurt by the fraudulent bonds.
"Don't let St. Lawrence's defense attorney get away with claiming this is a victimless crime," the petition states.
To date, more than 1,200 residents have signed the petition.
The hearing is expected to last through Tuesday.
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