Prosecutors mentioned in their statement asking for the court to enhance the sentence to 30 years that “This unrepentant con man with a militant lack of responsibility has blamed everyone—the victims, the Court, his attorneys, the government, the Probation Officer, and the Court reporter—for his actions and their consequences except the person responsible for it.”
Cohen’s fraud led to the collapse of the Vanguard Public Foundation, a nonprofit running from 1972 that used to fund numerous social causes. Most of Cohen’s victims were associated with the do-good foundation which supported liberal standpoints and freedom.
True to his persona to boot, Cohen even looted the retirement account of his father-in-law and left him near to destitute.
Cohen, 53, is born of Russian immigrants and raised in Jerusalem. He moved to the U.S. in 1987 and became a citizen. He used to tell victims that President Bush had personally granted him citizenship.
Prosecutors said that all stories told to victims by Cohen were false and that he sought funds for apparently legitimate ventures, while using the funds for leading a life he fancied. He also used the funds to help his wife publish a cookbook called the “The Kosher Billionaire’s Secret Recipe.”
Cohen moved around the country in a rented private jet, and used to give rides to people like singer Elton John and actress Jennifer Lopez.
Cohen’s attorney said “A 30 year sentence is excessive for a 53-year old first-time-offender, who has a long history of selfless acts and entrepreneurial innovation.” The attorney of Cohen also pointed out that his client had donated almost $2 million to charity.