By Robert Haugh
At his sentencing on April 4, 2025, convicted felon Anthony Becker received support from his fellow 49er Five colleagues: Suds Jain and Kevin Park.
“I believe he’s learned a hard lesson,” Jain said. “He is by no means an aggressive or violent person, in my opinion. So, I’m asking you to not give him jail time.”
Jain did not mention that he covered up Becker’s crime until he was forced to testify under oath before the Grand Jury.
Park, however, went further, claiming Becker had faced harassment throughout his tenure. But Park provided no evidence to back up his claim and did not mention that he and Becker frequently harassed Councilmembers and the public.
Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor didn’t hold back in her reaction to Becker’s sentencing.
In a tweet, she stated: “Today’s prison sentence confirms: betraying public trust is criminal. Becker leaked confidential documents to the 49ers and lied under oath, putting special interests above our community. Santa Clara deserves leaders who serve the people—not those who sell them out.”
District Attorney Jeff Rosen was also critical of Becker, stressing the need for accountability. “Government officials should be role models for all citizens to respect and follow the law,” Rosen said. “If public officials don’t respect the law, who will?”
Becker was convicted last year of felony perjury. He leaked a Grand Jury report to the 49ers and lied about it.
Becker, who had stayed silent during his trial, finally spoke at sentencing. He offered a weak apology.
“I want to first apologize to the people of Santa Clara for this long ordeal. And additionally, I want to respect what the jury’s decision was, despite my other disagreements. I respect the jury’s decision. I respect this court. And I just want that to be known,” Becker said.
Becker was sentenced to 40 days of jail and two years of probation. But he will be allowed to stay out of jail and do 40 days of work service. That means he’ll likely be picking up trash alongside the freeways while wearing an orange jumpsuit.
The 49ers put out a statement saying they respect the legal process and the court’s decision.
Not a real surprise to be honest. Jain is complicit in this crime and he is really only covering for himself. He need to support his accomplice, otherwise Becker may decide to break his silence and pull him under with him.
Wouldn’t we do the same if we committed a crime?
Really, the guy who lied under oath (Jain) and the guy who participated in bullying other council members and the Mayor (Park) asked for leniency? Does this surprise anyone?
I hate to defend jain but he was complicit. Which isn’t any better. Never told anyone what Becker told him until called before criminal grand jury.