Joseph Stahura avoids jail for all the campaign funds he used for gambling.

[jossiel]

As what I thought, it's confidential for an elected person to do such activity and by means of law, he/she shouldn't conduct such activity while in the position. But just like the movies and series that we watch, people in power can do everything that they can. Being a former mayor, there's a tendency that he's also doing it while in the service and position.

Spending that fund in gambling should give him not a lite punishment. And with what he said about him not being addicted to it, his lawyer should've requested for a psychological test and help.

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[South Park]

Former Whiting Mayor Joseph Stahura will not serve time in jail for wire fraud and filing a false income tax return. Judge James T. Moody sentenced Stahura to two years probation, one year home detention and a $7,500 fine at federal court in Hammond on Wednesday

Now what did he do ??
He used all the campaign money to gamble and pay for his credit card bills.

Why did he avoid jail time ??
Since as said by the lawyer that his crimes are not that serious and what he did didn't hurt anyone.

How much money did he use ??
More than $255,000

Does he think that he was addicted ?? NO apparently the mayor thinks it was all normal and he is not addicted to gambling.

The fact is , he didn't win 😂 anything thus I guess he should have realized it sooner that he is wasting all this money. He was extremely lucky that he was not given jail time. He could have easily been behind the bars for years. Had it been a normal person, they would have gotten more serious consequences.

Now was it fair ?!
What do you think ?

Source:
https://calvinayre.com/2021/01/15/business/former-indiana-mayor-who-gambled-away-campaign-funds-avoids-prison/

I do not know about the rules about how campaigns can spend their money in the US but should not that be not allowed? What I mean is that even if he got that money by donations does not that meant that he gave a different use to that money than what it was intended? Could the donors accuse him of fraud? Because to me this is a terrible precedent, a candidate can just use hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for his bills and do whatever else he wants and he is not going to pay the consequences.

[bonjouros]

Wow what a lucky person he is that he was able to avoid to be in jail after what he has done. Let's say that he lost half of that amount for gambling, I am still very amazed that he was able to say that it is normal and he is not addicted to gambling.

What a great excuse it is but I am sure that this happening will surely to give him a very big lesson as many will surely think negative towards him especially to what he did. I guess he is not a good gambler also as he was unable to win even with that amount of money.

[Wexnident]

Well, I suppose that wasn't fair, the fact remains that he pretty much broke the law. Ok maybe it's fine that he didn't really go to jail, but still, he should've at least been limited in his future gambling activities, probably let him have some help with regards to gambling. Whatever truth is about him and his gambling addiction is, it should still be done especially since he did the action of not using his own money to gamble, which is a fact that most gamblers agree could be a red sign.

[Fredomago]

Well, I suppose that wasn't fair, the fact remains that he pretty much broke the law. Ok maybe it's fine that he didn't really go to jail, but still, he should've at least been limited in his future gambling activities, probably let him have some help with regards to gambling. Whatever truth is about him and his gambling addiction is, it should still be done especially since he did the action of not using his own money to gamble, which is a fact that most gamblers agree could be a red sign.

Not fair as for normal citizen but since he have it's lawyer and the court rule it out then nothing can be done anymore about it, given ll those arguments he's now going to deal with his verdict.

The sentence has been vendicated by the jusdge who  handled his case he will serve all those sentence and pay for the damages coming from his gambling activities.

The fact that he didn't hurt anyone or it's just him alone who suffered from this act needs to have personal help
to avoid further damages after serving his restrictions, his gmbling problem needs attentions.

[aioc]

What kind of justice system is this, not jailing a man for stealing and using other people's money if this happens here he will be meted lifetime jail time and he will not be allowed to run for election, even a confession however sincere it maybe will not deserve this kind of sentence, the amount in our local currency is huge enough for a large scale corruption, and to think that the Mayor thinks he is not guilty at all.

[acroman08]

I think that prisons don't fulfil the task of reeducating people but are instead worsening one's condition because a lot of violence and dangerous people can be met there. So if a person did not commit a violent crime like raping or killing something, I think it's wise to use other forms of punishment than putting them in prison.
But given the world we actually live in, this decision was clearly very mild. Then again, he returned the money already and will pay a fine, so maybe it's a good deal for society.

that is why there is a "minimum security prison" people that are put there are considered not dangerous/violent or likely to escape which is perfect for the ex-mayor. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum%20security%20prison)

What kind of justice system is this, not jailing a man for stealing and using other people's money if this happens here he will be meted lifetime jail time and he will not be allowed to run for election, even a confession however sincere it maybe will not deserve this kind of sentence, the amount in our local currency is huge enough for a large scale corruption, and to think that the Mayor thinks he is not guilty at all.

when you said "here" you meant the Philippines correct? do you remember Gloria Macapagal arroyo, Jose Marcelo Ejercito aka Erap and Bong Revilla? these politicians were also convicted but they are still able to run for congress or a government official. so It is just wishful thinking when you said they won't be able to run for election. what's worse is that there are people voting for them.

[chaser15]

The information was incomplete and we don't know the whole story but the former Mayor made restitution of the embezzled funds and that was one of the considerations that the judge looked at before the decision was made.

Aside from that, the former Mayor also remorse for his actions that's why the penalty wasn't that hard. I hope that he is serious though as the judge trusted him.

[Ucy]

I think it is not fair spending 255.000 Us dollar public funds and get away with one year home probation and a 7500 Us dollar fine.It looks like the judge didn’t sentence him to jail because of his status as mayor.If the same judge would have been judging the same identical case with a normal person I am sure he would have asked a few years behind the bars.

I wondered if the fund is already his. Gambling(or taking big financial risk in this case) with public funds or funds not owned by the gambler isn't something that should be taken lightly. I would judge things differently and probably be a bit considerate if the risk affects him alone.

[avikz]

I think it is not fair spending 255.000 Us dollar public funds and get away with one year home probation and a 7500 Us dollar fine.It looks like the judge didn’t sentence him to jail because of his status as mayor.If the same judge would have been judging the same identical case with a normal person I am sure he would have asked a few years behind the bars.

I wondered if the fund is already his. Gambling(or taking big financial risk in this case) with public funds or funds not owned by the gambler isn't something that should be taken lightly. I would judge things differently and probably be a bit considerate if the risk affects him alone.

True! Also this misappropriation of public money should have been taken more seriously because this fellow is a Mayor! Those who are in charge of law, should be penalized even more severely if they break its provisions. So if a common citizen gets a jail term of 2 years for a crime, a law enforcement official should get 4 years of jail term for the same crime as a exemplary measure so that the trust of citizens on the law-and-order system remains intact!

[carlfebz2]

I think it is not fair spending 255.000 Us dollar public funds and get away with one year home probation and a 7500 Us dollar fine.It looks like the judge didn’t sentence him to jail because of his status as mayor.If the same judge would have been judging the same identical case with a normal person I am sure he would have asked a few years behind the bars.

I wondered if the fund is already his. Gambling(or taking big financial risk in this case) with public funds or funds not owned by the gambler isn't something that should be taken lightly. I would judge things differently and probably be a bit considerate if the risk affects him alone.

True! Also this misappropriation of public money should have been taken more seriously because this fellow is a Mayor! Those who are in charge of law, should be penalized even more severely if they break its provisions. So if a common citizen gets a jail term of 2 years for a crime, a law enforcement official should get 4 years of jail term for the same crime as a exemplary measure so that the trust of citizens on the law-and-order system remains intact!

Would really be that bit too on doubling the penalization which everything should really be fair and square but somehow if we do consider the crime had been committed  then its just right for it to be raised.

Its just these people does really have strong connections inside where its just normal that they would really be punished on the lightest possible that they can throw off.

Using up funds which shouldnt really be spent out on other means or shall we say for personal needs or motives then its just right to have appropriate action towards it.

[Twinkledoe]

I think it is not fair spending 255.000 Us dollar public funds and get away with one year home probation and a 7500 Us dollar fine.It looks like the judge didn’t sentence him to jail because of his status as mayor.If the same judge would have been judging the same identical case with a normal person I am sure he would have asked a few years behind the bars.

I wondered if the fund is already his. Gambling(or taking big financial risk in this case) with public funds or funds not owned by the gambler isn't something that should be taken lightly. I would judge things differently and probably be a bit considerate if the risk affects him alone.

True! Also this misappropriation of public money should have been taken more seriously because this fellow is a Mayor! Those who are in charge of law, should be penalized even more severely if they break its provisions. So if a common citizen gets a jail term of 2 years for a crime, a law enforcement official should get 4 years of jail term for the same crime as a exemplary measure so that the trust of citizens on the law-and-order system remains intact!

Would really be that bit too on doubling the penalization which everything should really be fair and square but somehow if we do consider the crime had been committed  then its just right for it to be raised.

Its just these people does really have strong connections inside where its just normal that they would really be punished on the lightest possible that they can throw off.

Using up funds which shouldnt really be spent out on other means or shall we say for personal needs or motives then its just right to have appropriate action towards it.

We really can't expect fair justice in this world. Maybe the judge is thinking there are a lot more problems in their community so he didn't give the mayor hard time. But good thing for those credit companies that he owed, he paid them at least.  And also, campaign funds are considered donations, right? He just used it selfishly.

[Natsuu]

I've found a seperate article regarding this case which is more detailed.

Former Whiting mayor sentenced to probation, home detention on wire fraud, false tax return charges

This article shows the side of the mayor, and the citizens he had served in his service for 35 years.

So, in regards to this article, the former Whiting Mayor has been a good mayor in the community.

[VanityWallets2015]

I've found a seperate article regarding this case which is more detailed.

Former Whiting mayor sentenced to probation, home detention on wire fraud, false tax return charges

This article shows the side of the mayor, and the citizens he had served in his service for 35 years.

So, in regards to this article, the former Whiting Mayor has been a good mayor in the community.

Thank you for sharing this with us. It is always good and also a definition of fairness, to know every side of a story.
I think that he was pardoned as he made efforts to correct his wrongs and considering his good deeds as a mayor.
Although, despite of that he was still sanctioned and misconduct is never were forgotten as many quickly assumed.

[FlightyPouch]

I've found a seperate article regarding this case which is more detailed.

Former Whiting mayor sentenced to probation, home detention on wire fraud, false tax return charges

This article shows the side of the mayor, and the citizens he had served in his service for 35 years.

So, in regards to this article, the former Whiting Mayor has been a good mayor in the community.

So that place has a lot of corrupt politicians to start with based on the article. He's the first one that showed remorse as the judge says and the are not mad because they know that the former Whiting Mayor is a great man. Still, he misused his funds and even though he is a great man, he still committed a crime. 1 or 2 mistakes could really take you down lower.

[AmoreJaz]

I've found a seperate article regarding this case which is more detailed.

Former Whiting mayor sentenced to probation, home detention on wire fraud, false tax return charges

This article shows the side of the mayor, and the citizens he had served in his service for 35 years.

So, in regards to this article, the former Whiting Mayor has been a good mayor in the community.

So that place has a lot of corrupt politicians to start with based on the article. He's the first one that showed remorse as the judge says and the are not mad because they know that the former Whiting Mayor is a great man. Still, he misused his funds and even though he is a great man, he still committed a crime. 1 or 2 mistakes could really take you down lower.

one mistake and your reputation is ruined. but who knows what really transpired for the past 35 years, right? anyway, maybe the judge was not giving him tough time because he did good service to his community for the past decades.  i believe there are a lot more politicians doing the same. actually across the globe, there will be more cases like this. but only few are being exposed with their lifestyle

[FlightyPouch]

I've found a seperate article regarding this case which is more detailed.

Former Whiting mayor sentenced to probation, home detention on wire fraud, false tax return charges

This article shows the side of the mayor, and the citizens he had served in his service for 35 years.

So, in regards to this article, the former Whiting Mayor has been a good mayor in the community.

So that place has a lot of corrupt politicians to start with based on the article. He's the first one that showed remorse as the judge says and the are not mad because they know that the former Whiting Mayor is a great man. Still, he misused his funds and even though he is a great man, he still committed a crime. 1 or 2 mistakes could really take you down lower.

one mistake and your reputation is ruined. but who knows what really transpired for the past 35 years, right? anyway, maybe the judge was not giving him tough time because he did good service to his community for the past decades.  i believe there are a lot more politicians doing the same. actually across the globe, there will be more cases like this. but only few are being exposed with their lifestyle

He had a great lawyer, to be honest. He's telling the judge how different he is with the other mayors that corrupted the country. Another thing is that there are those who put their money in that campaigns funds and not mad about what happened but still, he needs to pay for that crime. If this will happen to other people, like a non-pilitician took that money to buy his parents a medicine, that would be different, right?

[Lorence.xD]

The information was incomplete and we don't know the whole story but the former Mayor made restitution of the embezzled funds and that was one of the considerations that the judge looked at before the decision was made.

Aside from that, the former Mayor also remorse for his actions that's why the penalty wasn't that hard. I hope that he is serious though as the judge trusted him.

Psychopaths know how to play with emotions, remember that this scum that takes a human form is a politician and we all know that politicians are full of shit, they can easily lie their way into getting a lighter sentence by having connections in the judicial system, and he is part of the elite club of people that runs the country so the justice system does not apply to him. It is a good thing that he was removed from his position as a Mayor because this kinds of people definitely have the ability to steal public funds without a shred of dignity. In my opinion, a jail time should have been considered, if it were public funds, I would suggest a vigilante justice. To all the folks that can vote out there, always check if your candidates are avid gamblers or the political correct word for it is occasional player, or have any habit that may look indecent for a public official because they are not to be trusted with public funds because they are addicts.

[Yamifoud]

Fair enough that he is enjoying wasting his money in gambling and received nothing but just a court call. He's so lucky he ain't got to jail but he is not lucky also for gambling. But the sad part is that he is ruining his name and reputation in the public, it sounds like I'm not going outside for this shameful act and abuse of authority.
I don't think he is saying right about the addiction because what he does is simply saying he got into such trouble. It is a sort of denial, what we saw is contrary to his gambling behavior.

[Fredomago]

He should be behind bars due to graft and corruption he committed because instead for implementing projects that should benefited the public he'd use that money to benefit his private interest and thrown it all away in gambling.

Precisely! This kind of case should be enough to put him in jail, graft and corruptions is a serious case, using government funds for personal use is not right, the people have the right to see him paying the price of the crime he committed, if he's just a an ordinary government employee the chance of seeing him in jail is high for sure.

The judge seems to have not ruled out what is to be appropriate crime to the former mayor. The justice system from that country must be also corrupt.

Big chance that the justice system is also been corrupted, the judge might been paid under the table ruling this out.