Anthony Weiner Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Sexting With Teenager
Former U.S. representative Anthony Weiner has been sentenced to 21 months behind bars for sexting with a teenager.
On Monday, Weiner sobbed as the judge handed him with a 21-month sentence for exchanging lewd text messages and photos with women and a minor. Apart from the prison term, he was also required to spend three years of supervised release.
During the hearing, Judge Denise Cote of the Southern District of New York explained that the highly publicized case became more important because of Weiner's previous career in politics. "Because of the defendant's notoriety, there is intense interest in the defendant's plea and sentence," Cote pointed out in court. "It could make a difference in lives and is a very significant part of this sentence," she went on to say.
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"This is a serious crime that deserves serious punishment," she continued.
The judge went on to describe Weiner as someone who has a "very strong compulsion" when it comes to his habit of exchanging sexually explicit pictures and messages with young women. His urge was too strong that despite tarnishing his career multiple times, he still "continued with the activity."
The former mayoral candidate, 53, tearfully apologized to the teen involved in the case and assured the judge that he had learned his lesson. He has been attending therapy since news of the controversy broke out.
Still wearing his wedding ring, Weiner also talked about his devotion to being a good father to his five-year-old son with Huma Abedin — Hillary Clinton's former aide. The estranged pair is in the process of a divorce.
In May, Weiner pleaded guilty to sending obscene material to a teenage girl. The exchange started from interactions he had with a 15-year-old, who later released their conversations and images to the Daily Mail.
