By Robert Haugh
Convicted former Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker will be sentenced today for leaking a confidential Grand Jury report to the 49ers and lying about it.
Now Becker’s public defender, Christopher Montoya, is asking the judge for probation and no jail time.
In court filings just one day before sentencing, Montoya says Becker lost his job, can’t find work, and is caring for his sick mother.
But Montoya’s strangest argument may be this: Becker deserves credit for not publicly attacking the jury that convicted him.
“He could have used his platform to denounce the conviction,” Montoya writes, “but didn’t.”
What Montoya doesn’t mention: Becker did attack the process, but just in private.
Becker told his probation officer the conviction was political and that “justice was not served.”
So let’s get this straight: According to Montoya, Becker is remorseful because he didn’t publicly say what he privately believes?
Montoya also claims Becker showed accountability by resigning his council seat.
But Becker resigned only after his conviction and just days before his term expired. He was leaving office anyway. Montoya doesn’t mention that major fact.
Prosecutors say Becker has “shown no remorse” and are asking for significant jail time.
Sentencing by Judge Javier Alcala is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Superior Court in Morgan Hill.
Mr. Becker is fundamentally a smart, nice person who could have done good for the city. But I think his flaw was that he always wanted to win and to do that, he unwisely did some back-room deals for some bad people. In my opinion and biblically-speaking, I believe pride was his sin. Other than to point out to other members of the city council that there are repercussions for selfish behavior, I think there is no social benefit in putting him in jail or something like that. I hope Mr. Becker learns humility and openness so that his obvious talents are not wasted in the future.
Santa Clara is the Mayberry of Silicon Valley. Becker did more to pollute the city’s good name than anyone. Look at Becker’s rottten antics. He acted to ruin Ron Patrick and conspited to kick Burt Field off Parks and Rec. Filthy and rotten.
Becker hates LG. I do believe in forgiving trespasses. I have trespassed many timed. I regret it. But Becker like Jain is an ethical coward.
I like you Matt Dillon!! Yes, everyone makes mistakes. However this one I strongly believe some time needs to be served.
I honestly believe this might be a huge uptick in his lifestyle and social group. Then we must ask the question, is this really punishment?
My guess it’s just more of an embarrassment, he got caught with his “Hand in the Cookie Jar” so to speak…. or not to speak.
Question now is how long is he going to get Free Rent, Free Food, and once again be the center of attention.
Burt Field
78′ Buchser High School
I have been consistent in my opinion that he should serve some jail time. What that time is, I’ll leave up to Judge Alcala. Mr Becker violated the public trust with his actions and then lied to cover up his actions. He tried to blame others for what he did. He has NEVER shown any remorse for what he did, never apologized to those he represented (I live in the district he represented). He sold us out for pennies on the dollar to the 49ers as he was one of Jed’s sock puppets. He did not represent those he was elected to serve. He chose to follow the bright lights that Jed cast upon him in an effort to further his political career. He got caught and now he needs to pay a price.
There are those who have tried to make comparisons to other cases in our city that resulted in no jail time. I don’t care about those as they have ZERO relevance in relation to this case.
There needs to be a message sent that if you violate the public trust by committing a felony, that there are consequences.
It is my hope that Judge Alcala sends this message.