Rubashkin: I Should Not Have Entered The Family Business

(JTA) — With a federal judge expected to issue a sentence in his case later this month, former kosher meatpacking executive Sholom Rubashkin expressed regret for his actions last week in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Linda Reade reportedly indicated that she will issue her ruling May 27.

At least 10 witnesses spoke on Rubashkin’s behalf, including a psychiatrist who interviewed him in jail. The psychiatrist said Rubashkin expressed regret for the harm he had caused himself and others, the Des Moines Register reported.

In his testimony, Rubashkin reportedly described himself “a conflicted and flawed human being” thrust into running the family business without adequate training or interest. “I basically should have stayed in teaching and being an emissary” for the Lubavitch movement,” he said.

Federal prosecutors have said the charges meet the sentencing guidelines for life imprisonment. Rubashkin’s attorneys have requested that he be sentenced to no more than six years.

Sentencing memos Rubashkin of bribing Postville Mayor Robert Penrod. Rubashkin was not charged with bribery, but the judge can take such accusations into account when deciding on a sentence. Rubashkin’s attorneys told the Register that Agriprocessors made a loan to Penrod under duress from the mayor.

Rubashkin supporters held prayer services on his behalf around the world April 27, the night before the two-day sentencing hearing.  On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that Rubashkin will face trial on charges of child labor violations. Prosecutors dropped immigration charges against Rubashkin last November, just days after a jury convicted him of financial fraud.