Victims speak out on impacts of crime
Cazenovia resident and businessman James P. Griffin has been sentenced to 60 months, or five years, in federal prison for defrauding investors of nearly $2.1 million since 2009 through his company 54Freedom Inc.
Griffin will serve his five years consecutively, but was not immediately remanded from the court to prison at the Dec. 13 sentencing. He is expected to report himself to prison by Jan. 24.
After prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
He is also expected to make payments toward the restitution of about $2.1 million to the 27 victims he defrauded.
In July 2016, Griffin was found guilty by Justice Frederick Scullin, of the United States District Court Northern District of New York, on 23 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
At the Dec. 13 sentencing, four victims spoke out about the impact Griffin’s crime has had on their lives.
Victim Nancy Kordas said the nearly $100,000 she used for investments was for her retirement fund, all of which has been lost. She stated that she was a personal friend of both Griffin and his wife Chary.
“I’m 64 and trying to start over,” said Kordas. “It’s not easy … I am devastated and hope one day Jim [Griffin] will take responsibility for what he has done.”
Robin Lamson spoke on behalf of her mother and deceased step-father, who were victims of Griffin. She said her parents invested with hopes to leave a financial legacy for their family, but it was all lost due to Griffin’s crimes.
When Griffin had a chance to speak in court, he did not acknowledge any wrongdoing, and said of the investments, “I apologize to all of the investor for lack of production to date.” Griffin argued that he wanted to work to “produce results” for his investors, and that he would be hindered if serving a prison sentence.
Scullin said in his 25 years on the bench, he has encountered many people convicted of fraud, and was curious to see Griffin did not acknowledge any wrongdoing despite the evidence against him.
“Sentencing is one of the most difficult parts of a case. It is not about exacting revenge, but about finding a just sentence for the victims and the defendant,” said Scullin. “Some victims have given statements that show the defendant as delusional, sociopathic and amoral … these statements are somewhat warranted.”
Prosecution attorney Edward Bronton requested Griffin be sentenced to 87 months and be remanded immediately because he is a danger to the public based on his schemes and scams.
“He [Griffin] stole more than money from his victims, he stole their futures and freedom to enjoy their lives,” said Bronton.
Griffin’s age, 71, low risk of recidivism and lack of previous criminal history other than vehicle violations led Scullin to impose the sentence of five years in prison and three years of supervised release.
During his time in prison, Griffin is expected to give 25 percent of his monthly income to pay the $2.1 million restitution for the victims.
Scullin recommended a mental health evaluation should be given to Griffin both when he enters prison and at his release. During his probation period, Griffin is to abstain from alcohol and is not allowed to open any new lines of credit.
