Judge Ellen S. Huvelle sentenced former congressman Bob Ney to 30 months in jail -three more than the Justice Dept. had asked for- and $6000. in fines for accepting tens of thousands of dollars in trips and other perks from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Prior to sentencing the judge received letters from citizens, most of them from Ohio, asking her to impose the maximum sentence. One read “throw the book at him. Throw two books…”
Washington Post story here.
Courtroom sketching is a form of visual journalism or reportage drawing that is slowly dying out. Where once upon a time news organization each had their own artist covering a story, today a “pool” artist often sketches for all. It is a demanding and stressful discipline where the drawing is often done directly and under tight deadline.
After forty-five years of news sketching in courtrooms and congress I’m calling it quits. It’s been sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating, almost always interesting. I’ve been lucky to work with some really great people. Don’t think I’ll miss it, but a little scared of not having a deadline.
While I won’t be sketching in court anymore, I may continue to post to this blog from time to time. Not sure what that might be. I’m about to start a new assignment documenting infrastructure and construction. Could be interesting.
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