In a court document filed today, Assistant US Attorney Bradley revealed a starting place for determining the prison sentence of prominent Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) members, Dr. Jerry Gross and his son, Jason Gross. Last year, both Jerry and Jason pleaded guilty to Federal charges stemming from a “scheme” to defraud the State of North Carolina and the U.S. Government by filing false unemployment benefit claims. Both are set to appear this Thursday morning before Judge Martin Reidinger for sentencing.
The document filed today was to correct any misrepresentation of Bradley’s recommendation for sentencing.
“The government…requests that the Court apply the same calculation to both defendants, determining a guideline range of 12-18 months, … before any other motions are taken into account.”
Several documents referenced within this filing were sealed and not available. Restitution was mentioned, but no exact dollar amounts were stated.
Other notes in the court records indicate attorneys for Jerry and Jason are asking for a reduction in any sentence given by the Judge. Their reasoning for such a request, we can only ponder. Will there be arguments before Judge Reidinger asking for “favor” or dare I say- “forgiveness and release…”???
A more experienced court-watcher told me that though the Judge is not required to follow the recommendations of the US Attorney- many times they do adhere to them.
While considering the possibilities for Thursday morning, my mind wandered back to many other court cases in Rutherford County where WOFF members flooded the court room in support of their accused. The recent strategy on these Federal cases was to send very few supporters. Jerry and Jason were accompanied by their wives, while Ramona Hall was the lone escort for Diane and Kent.
Will this Thursday be different? Coinciding with the possible arguments for shorter sentencing will WOFF members friendly to Judge Reidinger fill the gallery in hopes of swaying him? I have voiced my opinion before today. I believe Judge Reidinger should have recused himself because of this very real possibility.
After all, these Federal indictments and subsequent guilty pleas have been major blows to the legacy and credibility of WOFF leader, Jane Whaley. Having three or four or more prominent members dressed in prison clothes and serving time for what she condoned- looks bad.
What will Jane do to stem the rising tide set to wash away any lasting “positive” sway she has had on her home county? How far will she go? We may find out in the next few days.
Two other WOFF members were indicted in relation to the same scheme, Marion Kent Covington and Diane M. McKinny. Covington pleaded guilty and will be sentenced April 18th . McKinny denied her guilt and awaits trial on May 6th.
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(Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation) This is post number 658.
Am I the only one doing the “happy dance”? Probably not. Even though I am elated that justice will finally be served and hopeful this is just the beginning of their demise, I am also saddened because the wrong people will be paying a heavy price for Jane. Jane, the woman who was and is instrumental in ruining their lives as they knew it. Is it ever enough? Will she ever take ownership for what she has done?
Is this judge a current/former member of woff?
Candi,
No, he is not a WOFF-member.
John