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Former Sun-Times Publisher Sentenced

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The Associated Press

Published: December 18, 2007

CHICAGO - Former Chicago Sun-Times publisher F. David Radler was given 29 months in prison and a $250,000 fine Monday for his role in stealing millions of dollars from Hollinger International shareholders.

The No. 2 man in the once-powerful Hollinger newspaper empire also received a sense of relief.

"This is the first day of the rest of his life," Radler's attorney, Anton Valukas, said after the sentencing hearing.

Radler, 65, pleaded guilty to fraud in September 2005 and testified earlier this year against his longtime business partner and head of Hollinger, Conrad Black, in return for a lenient sentence.

"I'm sorry for what I've done," Radler said in court. He apologized for the suffering he caused his family and said he had "tried to lead a life that was honorable" but had made "mistakes."

It was a stark contrast to Black, who remained defiant when sentenced last week to 6 1/2 years in prison, telling the same court that Hollinger's stock was doing well when he was removed as chairman and suggested "the evaporation of $1.8 billion in shareholder value" was the fault of his successors.

U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve told Radler on Monday that he had breached his duty, noting he "took a lot of money from Hollinger International at great expense to the company and the shareholders." But the judge also acknowledged his cooperation with prosecutors and the millions he has paid in restitution.

About $61 million has been paid by Radler or companies he has been associated with, including $53 million Radler has paid personally, Valukas said.

"You certainly have tried to right your wrongs," St. Eve told Radler, who must begin serving his sentence Feb. 25.

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