A former manager of Oscar de la Hoya was sentenced on Monday to three years probation, including six months of home detention, after pleading guilty to fixing fights and trying to bribe a federal prosecutor and judge.
Robert Mittleman, who briefly managed de la Hoya when the fighter turned pro after the 1992 Olympics, pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of sports bribery and one count of bribery of a public official.
”My actions … were dishonorable and despicable,” Mittleman told United States District Judge Robert Clive Jones. ”I am truly sorry.”
Assistant US Attorney Kathleen Bliss credited Mittleman with ”110% cooperation” in his testimony against two boxing figures who were convicted in November of conspiracy and sports bribery.
Mittleman’s sentence will require him to wear a monitoring device, pay a $2 000 fine and perform 250 hours of community service. He will begin serving his sentence on January 6.
He faced up to five years in prison and a $250 000 fine for sports bribery, and up to 15 years imprisonment and a $250 000 fine for bribery of a public official.
”I know Mr. Mittleman is very ashamed,” Bliss said.
Mittleman provided key testimony against fight promoter Robert Mitchell and boxer Thomas Williams, who were convicted of conspiracy and sports bribery.
Authorities said Mitchell and Williams rigged 11 fights across the country.
Mitchell and Williams were found guilty of fixing fights from March 1995 to August 2000 to enhance the boxing career of professional heavyweight fighter Richie ”the Bull” Melito, Jr., said Daniel Bogden, US attorney for Nevada.
Williams and Mitchell face up to 10 years in prison and $500 000 at sentencing on February 7. They remain free on bond. – Sapa-AP