FEDERAL COURT 'I accept full responsibility,' Cafaro says at sentencing

The mall developer must testify for the prosecution in March against Richard E. Detore.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
CLEVELAND -- Mall developer J.J. Cafaro's wife used a tissue to dab her eyes when a federal judge announced that her husband's penalty for enriching a corrupt congressman is 15 months' probation.
Janet Cafaro then grabbed her daughter Capri's hand and squeezed.
"I accept full and complete responsibility for all my actions in this case," Cafaro said Friday afternoon as he stood and faced U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. "I want you to know that I have no one to blame but myself."
In May 2001, Cafaro, 49, of Liberty pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide an unlawful gratuity to former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. The imprisoned ex-congressman, who promoted laser technology owned by Cafaro's USAerospace Group, extorted cash, boat repairs and gifts.
Cafaro said he could have consulted with attorneys to check out his actions and doesn't blame Traficant. Cafaro said his pride and ego stood in the way.
Cafaro's comments
"I am most sorry for the embarrassment and publicity that I have brought upon my family and community," Cafaro told Judge Oliver. "In this most difficult time in my life, I am so grateful to my family and friends that have stood by me through this ordeal."
Cafaro's Cleveland lawyer, Geoffrey S. Mearns, said his client crossed the line but, like so many who sought assistance from Traficant, was dragged across the line. The lawyer stressed his client's cooperation with the government began early on in the investigation.
Craig S. Morford, assistant U.S. attorney, called Cafaro's cooperation unprecedented. The government's recommendation for a reduced sentence, he said, was based on the quality, significance and value of the cooperation.
By this time in the sentencing hearing Friday, Judge Oliver, as those in the gallery of his 17th-floor courtroom, focused attention on the four massive chandeliers swaying over the defense and prosecution tables.
The judge quipped "there's no wind in this building." Morford joked the chandeliers were still, it was the building swaying.
Outside, downtown Cleveland was being buffeted by fierce winds and swirling wet snow.
Once back on track, Morford continued to praise the efforts Cafaro took to right his wrong. Cafaro helped the government while other defendants met with Traficant to destroy evidence, the prosecutor said.
Judge Oliver appeared to be affected by the letters sent on Cafaro's behalf. The judge said the people who wrote had good things to say.
The letters came from family members as well as Pete Gabriel, WNIO radio host; Jim Graham, president of UAW Local 1112, General Motors, Lordstown; Asher W. Sweeney, retired Ohio Supreme Court justice; and the Rev. Thomas S. Acker, former president of Wheeling Jesuit University.
His sentence
In addition to 15 months' probation, Cafaro must pay a $150,000 fine within 30 days.
The judge acknowledged the sum is sizable but said Cafaro has the ability to pay.
Cafaro's dealings with the government are not done. He must testify for the prosecution in March against Richard E. Detore, a Virginia engineer, who once held an executive position in Cafaro's now-defunct USAerospace Group, based in Manassas, Va. Detore is charged with taking part in the scheme to bribe Traficant.
Traficant and Detore hatched the plan to have Cafaro pay for the congressman's boat repairs, Mearns said. Traficant, the lawyer said, expanded the scheme to include gifts and cash.
Congress expelled Traficant on July 24 and he began serving an eight-year prison sentence July 30.
meade@vindy.com