Former Hollywood private eye Anthony Pellicano was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday for running an illegal wiretapping operation that gathered information for a list of well-to-do clients, including celebrities, attorneys and business executives.
U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer condemned the once-famed investigator for "reprehensible" conduct that went on for many years as she handed down a sentence that significantly exceeded the five-year, 10-month term recommended by probation officials. "He did this eagerly, sometimes maliciously, and with pride," she said.
As the judge spoke, Pellicano -- dressed in green prison garb and shackled at the ankles and waist -- remained mostly expressionless, leaning back in his chair with his chin propped on his hand.
The 64-year-old sleuth, whose clients and victims ranked among Hollywood's biggest stars and most powerful executives, was convicted in two criminal trials earlier this year of 78 counts, including wiretapping, computer fraud and wire fraud.
When given a chance to address the court before sentencing, Pellicano said he had taken "full and complete responsibility" for his actions.
Assistant U.S. Atty Kevin Lally called the statement "hogwash."
In court papers filed in October, prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Pellicano to 15 years and 8 months in prison, saying he was charged with, and convicted of, only a fraction of the crimes he actually committed.
By tapping phones and bribing public officials, Pellicano violated fundamental privacy rights of hundreds of people and chipped away at the integrity of public institutions, prosecutors contended.
"He enjoyed every minute of it," Assistant U.S. Atty. Daniel Saunders said at Monday's hearing.
According to prosecutors, Pellicano charged steep rates for information he got by listening to people's most intimate and personal conversations, often to give his rich and famous clients an edge in legal fights.
He bribed police officers to run names in law enforcement databases and phone company officials to get wiretaps running, prosecutors said.
With clients like Chris Rock and entertainment attorney Bertram Fields and victims like Sylvester Stallone and Keith Carradine, Pellicano's trial was a glimpse into the workings of Hollywood's innermost circles.
Although Pellicano represented himself at the federal trials -- leading to moments of farce and confusion -- he asked that attorneys get involved on his behalf for the sentencing.
