Sentencing postponed in Bangkok film fest bribery case, life sentence sought

Sentencing was scheduled for yesterday in federal court in Los Angeles for Gerald and Patricia Green, the Hollywood producers who were convicted in the Bangkok International Film Festival bribery case.

The FCPA Blog reports that the hearing is postponed until January 21. The real news is in the pre-sentence report, which reveals the U.S. Justice Department intends to run wild on the 76-year-old Gerald Green, and they want to see him behind bars for life. A snip from the FCPA Blog:

The Justice Department wants Gerald Green sentenced to life in prison. In a December 14 court filing, prosecutors said although the pre-sentence report recommends a downward departure under the federal sentencing guidelines and a sentence of about 20 to 25 years, Green's sentence should instead be enhanced. He was the ring leader of the bribery plot, the DOJ said, and he "repeatedly and blatantly perjured himself" at his trial.

The FCPA Blog has a link to the pre-sentencing report.

At this point you're probably wondering what's happening with the Thai end of the case. The Greens were convicted to paying bribes to a Thai government official in exchange for contracts to manage the Bangkok International Film Festival, the Thai Privilege Card (now for sale) and various other tourism-related projects. That government official has been identified as Juthamas Siriwan, the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Around the time of the Greens' trial and in August and September, there was a flurry of noise in the Thai media about an investigation of Juthamas and her dealings. But it's been quiet since then. Maybe news of the sentencing will stir things up again.

(Hat tip to Scott Rosenberg)