Former Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, whose political career was derailed by federal corruption charges, made an emotional plea for his freedom in a Cincinnati federal court on Tuesday.
P.G. Sittenfeld’s Heartfelt Plea
Dressed in a sharp blue suit, Sittenfeld, significantly leaner than when he was convicted 15 months ago, made his way to the front of the courtroom to address U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Cole. Prior to this, over 200 individuals had submitted letters to Judge Cole, beseeching him for leniency. Now, it was Sittenfeld’s moment to speak.
“This is an immensely daunting day for me, my family, and all who hold us dear,”
Sittenfeld began.
The Emotional Appeal
What ensued was a tearful and impassioned plea for probation over incarceration. Sittenfeld conceded that he may have been overly ambitious in his political career, and his confession hung in the air as the packed courtroom waited in anticipation.
Notably, Sittenfeld’s words did not contain an apology for the crimes that led to his conviction on charges of bribery and attempted extortion. He maintained his innocence regarding accepting campaign contributions in exchange for supporting development projects, a stance previously refuted by a jury.
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Nonetheless, he expressed a deep sense of responsibility and contrition during his address to the judge. He admitted to the realization that he had been “moving too fast” and wished he had taken a step back.
A Changed Man
Sittenfeld, who was elected to Cincinnati City Council at the tender age of 27 in 2011, was once hailed as a promising political talent, poised to become Cincinnati’s future mayor. However, his arrest in November 2020 put an abrupt end to his political aspirations.
“The person I was when this case began is not who stands before you today,” Sittenfeld asserted. He has since married Dr. Sarah Coyne, with whom he has two young sons. Following his conviction, he has dedicated his time to volunteering and being a devoted father.
“I’ve grown and changed a lot, especially in my role as a husband and father,” he declared, followed by a poignant pause that moved many in the courtroom to tears.
“I hope for an outcome today that allows me to remain present in the lives of Sarah and the boys.”
He expressed his desire to be “a source of kindness in a world that needs more of it.”
The Verdict
In the end, Judge Cole sentenced Sittenfeld to 16 months in prison but granted a delay in the commencement of the sentence. This delay offers Sittenfeld the opportunity to request the appeals court for permission to remain free while he appeals his convictions.
This article first appeared on cincinnati.com.
