20.05.12
A federal courtroom turned into a stage of sorts Wednesday during the sentencing of Johnny Brown, a former door-to-door
vacuum salesman who in May was convicted of operating a Ponzi-like scheme that ultimately defrauded 114 investors and a bank out of millions.
So many people packed the courtroom that the judge allowed people to sit in the jury box while others were forced to stand along the walls. Victims and supporters -- each convinced of their position -- took turns weighing in on Brown's character and guilt.
Brown -- armed with a
hand-held
microphone -- made an impassioned plea for leniency, at times sounding like a preacher as he paced, turning to face people throughout the room while he touched on a variety of topics including grandparents, his own family and growing up in the racist South.
After listening for 10 minutes, U.S.
Source: OregonLive.com