Vasilia Berger Defense Sentencing Memo

show_temp.pl

Case 2:09-≠cr-≠00308-≠JFC Document 89 Filed 10/12/12 Page 1 of 30

https://ecf.pawd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_temp.pl?file=merg...

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Criminal No. 09-308

v.
VASILIA BERGER,
a/k/a VASILIA KLIMANTIS,
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM IN AID OF SENTENCING
COMES NOW, the defendant, Vasilia Berger, by and through her counsel, J. Alan
Johnson, Esquire, and Meagan F. Temple, Esquire, Johnson, Bruzzese & Temple, LLC, and
respectfully files this Memorandum In Aid of Sentencing. By way of this Memorandum, the
defendant humbly requests the Court vary downward from the recommended guidelines’ range
and impose a sentence commensurate with the severity of the conduct and other defendants
sentenced for similar offenses.
INTRODUCTION
On November 10, 2010, Vasilia Berger (hereinafter “Ms. Berger,” “Lia Berger” or “Lia”)
pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in
violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18
U.S.C. § 1956(h). The indictment also sets forth criminal forfeiture allegations.
On September 15, 2011 and September 19, 2011, the Court took evidence at a
presentence hearing concerning the monetary loss caused by Ms. Berger’s conduct. In a June 26,
2012 Memorandum Opinion and Order, this Honorable Court concluded the loss caused by Ms.
Berger’s conduct was $6,694,745.27.

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3/6/13 10:20 AM

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Case 2:09-≠cr-≠00308-≠JFC Document 89 Filed 10/12/12 Page 2 of 30

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On September 17, 2012, the United States Probation Office filed the final Presentence
Investigation Report (hereinafter “PSR”). In that report, Ms. Berger’s offense level is calculated
as follows:
Base offense level
Loss between $2.5-7M
Number of victims
Violation of administrative order
Sophisticated means
Gross receipts from financial institution > $1M

7
+18
+ 6
+ 2
+ 2
+ 2

Money laundering enhancement
Role in the offense

+ 2
+ 4

Subtotal

43

Acceptance of responsibility
Timely notice of intent to plead guilty

- 2
- 1

TOTAL

40

Through counsel, on September 21, 2012, Ms. Berger filed her objections to the PSR. She
objected to the inclusion of enhancements, which were not also levied against her husband, Jay
Berger, in calculating the recommended offense level in his case. In addition, Ms. Berger
specifically objected to the inclusion of the 2-point enhancement for violating an administrative
order. On October 5, 2012, in the Addendum to the PSR, the Probation Officer rejected each of
the defendant’s arguments to amend the offense level calculation. The objections raised by the
defendant in the September 21st filing are incorporated by reference into this Memorandum.
Based upon the parties’ Positions With Respect to Sentencing Factors and the PSR filed
by the Probation Office, Ms. Berger’s offense level is somewhere between 27 (70-87 months)
and 40 (24 years, 4 months – 30 years, 5 months). Notwithstanding the final Guidelines’
calculation, Lia Berger requests this Honorable Court vary downward from the recommended
Guidelines range.
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Case 2:09-≠cr-≠00308-≠JFC Document 89 Filed 10/12/12 Page 3 of 30

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The basis for the defendant’s request is set forth in the subsequent pages, but is generally
based upon Lia’s characteristics and family circumstances, the need to avoid unwarranted
sentencing disparity for similar conduct and to deter future prosecutions from seeking to
exacerbate sentences based purely on the defendant’s exercise of constitutional rights. It is the
position of the defendant that a sentence commensurate with those imposed in the related cases
(PSR Page 1A) is an appropriate measure of justice for Ms. Berger. A sentence comparable to
that of Mr. Berger and/or Elleni Berger will meet the goals of sentencing, while avoiding
unwarranted and disparate sentencing of a defendant whose conduct was exactly the same, but
who chose to exercise certain constitutional rights in her own defense.
DEFENDANT’S STATEMENT TO THE COURT
Defendants have a right of allocution prior to the pronouncement of sentence, which is a
right guaranteed by due process. U.S. v. Fisher, 502 F.3d 293, 297-298 (3d Cir. 2007), cert.
denied, 552 U.S. 1274 (2008); U.S. v. Plotts, 359 F.3d 247, 249 (3d Cir. 2004). This is a very
important right in light of the emphasis in Booker and Gall on the need for individualized
sentencing. This Memorandum explores the nature of the offense, as well as the history and
characteristics of Lia Berger. To that end, Ms. Berger has prepared a letter to the Court for
consideration in determining an appropriate sentence.
In her letter to the Court, Lia states, “[P]lease understand that I know that I have
committed a serious crime. I crossed the line and I am a criminal. I will be judged for the rest of
my life because of my mistakes. I know I will overcome this and I am a better person because of
this.” Exhibit 1. Her letter repeatedly acknowledges her guilt and expresses her remorse for her
conduct. Lia’s request for leniency in her case is purely a product of wanting to be in her
daughter’s life during her most formative years.

Lia tells the Court about the physical

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Case 2:09-≠cr-≠00308-≠JFC Document 89 Filed 10/12/12 Page 4 of 30

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manifestations of severe anxiety that her daughter, Sophia, has recently developed. Though there
is probably little in this case about which everyone can agree, there can be little dispute that the
impact this is having on Sophia is heartbreaking. None of this is Sophia’s fault, at all, yet even
under the best of all possible results, she will suffer.
IMPACT OF THE SENTENCING FACTORS OF 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)
Following United States v. Booker, 5345 U.S. 220 (2008), the district court must impose
a sentence in accordance with the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), of which the advisory
United States Sentencing Guidelines are one factor to consider. U.S. v. Cooper, 437 F.3d 324
(3d Cir. 2006).

The district court must give meaningful consideration to all of the 3553

sentencing factors and state on the record logical reasons for the sentence that are consistent with
those factors. Id.
Section 3553(a) begins with the broad mandate that sentencing courts “shall impose a
sentence sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the purposes set forth in
paragraph (2) of this subsection.” 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Section 3553(a) further directs the
district court to consider the nature and circumstances of the offense; the history of and
characteristics of the defendant; the need for the sentence imposed; the kinds of sentences
available; the Sentencing Guidelines’ range; any pertinent policy statement; the need to avoid
unwarranted sentencing disparities among defendants with similar records who have been found
guilty of similar conduct; and the need to provide restitution to any victim of the offense. 1

1
In Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38 (2007), the Court rejected any requirement of a showing of “extraordinary
circumstances” to justify a sentence below the Guidelines’ range as “not consistent with our remedial opinion in
United States v. Booker.” Requiring “extraordinary circumstances” to justify a sentence below the Guidelines range
would impermissibly elevate the Guidelines above other factors articulated in 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

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The Nature and Circumstances of the Offense and the History and Characteristics
of Lia Berger
a. Nature of the Offense
All federal crimes are serious offenses. However, Ms. Berger’s offenses were nonviolent

in nature and she does not present a danger to the community. The PSR more fully details Ms.
Berger’s conduct.
Lia Berger relied upon the services of Kenneth Cowden to perpetrate the mortgage fraud
scheme. Mr. Cowden held himself out as a real estate appraiser, but he was never properly
licensed to work as such. In sum, Mr. Cowden would falsify appraisals using a variety of
methods in order to make properties appear to the lenders as though they were more valuable
than they actually were. In addition, Ms. Berger engaged in a practice which has come to be
known as “creative financing,” which would allow purchasers to receive cash at closing or
borrow without actually putting money down when the settlement documents made it appear as
though they had. The scheme was sophisticated in nature and the offenses are, indeed, serious.
The defense believes it is important, however, to consider the genesis of Lia’s
involvement in the scheme. At age 24, Lia left her job at PNC Bank and used the only money
she had saved – $500.00 – to procure her broker’s license. She worked legitimately as a
mortgage broker for several years, well before the housing boom of the early-to-mid-2000s. She
was awarded Mortgage Broker of the Year for the state in 1999, which award was presented to
her by then-Attorney General D. Michael Fisher.
Lia’s fraudulent activity began when she met Mr. Cowden.

She met Mr. Cowden

through her now-estranged-husband, Jay Berger. Jay and Ken Cowden had a history of doing
“business” together that preceded involvement by Lia in anything illegal. Ken had been Jay’s
accountant for his business, First Federated Mortgage.
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As will be discussed later in this pleading, after Steel City Mortgage was raided by
federal agents, Assistant United States Attorney Brendan Conway made the decision to accept
the cooperative efforts of Jay Berger to the exclusion of Lia Berger. Mr. Berger, indeed,
provided a substantial amount of assistance to several cases Mr. Conway prosecuted.
Throughout this case it has been no secret that Mr. Conway appreciated Mr. Berger’s assistance.
However, no matter how much counsel for the United States may appreciate and get along with
Mr. Berger, it does not change the fact that it was Jay Berger who brought Lia Berger into his
fraudulent world. Mr. Cowden testified at the hearing on loss in September 2011 that it was Jay
Berger – not Lia – who solicited him to begin appraisal work. It was Jay Berger – not Lia – who
started using Mr. Cowden to perpetrate mortgage fraud. It was Jay Berger – not Lia – who
initiated the business relationship with Mr. Cowden because of the way he “worked with
numbers.”
The record and evidence before the Court demonstrates that Lia Berger was a legitimate,
successful mortgage broker before she started doing business with Jay. Once she started doing
business with Jay, certainly, Lia is culpable for her own behavior. As the Court looks to consider
the § 3553(a) factors, however, and assess the nature of the offense that Lia committed, the fact
that Mr. Berger was the catalyst and, yet, received a very lenient sentence, must not be
overlooked.
According to press releases from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western
District of Pennsylvania, the three most severe sentences in this district since June 2012 are for
soliciting minors to engage in sexual activity (2 cases; 14 and 20 years), trafficking more than
100 grams of heroin (1 case; 17 years) and shooting at FBI agents (1 case; 15 years). In addition,
the Court will undoubtedly recall the prosecution of Gregory Podlucky, who was convicted of

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defrauding investors in the LeNature’s Beverages enterprise of $628,000,000. Mr. Podlucky is
serving a 20-year prison sentence.
While the mortgage fraud in which Lia Berger engaged is undoubtedly a serious offense,
it does not warrant a sentence in excess of 24 years’ incarceration. The nature of Ms. Berger’s
criminal conduct is not even close to being on the same scale as soliciting minors for sex,
shooting at FBI agents, trafficking heroin or a $628,000,000 investor ponzi scheme. A portion of
the Guidelines’ range, a range which the government thinks is an appropriate measure of justice
in this case, would warrant a sentence close to that imposed upon Jerry Sandusky.

It is

unfathomable how one could equate the seriousness of Ms. Berger’s conduct to that of any of the
offenders discussed, supra. The offense level of 40 drastically and inexplicably overstates the
seriousness of the offense.
b. History and Characteristics of Lia Berger
i. Background of the Defendant
Lia is the daughter of Greek immigrants who came to the United States after residing for
some time in Australia. She is one of four siblings and the only child to have been born in the
United States. Her mother has a 6th grade education and her father has a 3rd grade education. Lia
was raised in poverty in a small apartment in Pittsburgh’s Northside area. Her mother worked as
a seamstress and her father worked for a relative who owned a restaurant. Her father was
diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression. Her parents divorced when Lia was in high
school. (PSR ¶ 42).
Lia dropped out of Oliver High School in the 11th grade to work at a gas station and help
support her mother, who was no longer working. (PSR ¶ 51). Lia obtained her GED in 1993.
After her job at the gas station, she worked at Kaufman’s, Wal Mart, Rave and Silverman’s. She

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also before being hired by PNC Financial Services Group in 1995. (PSR ¶ 54. 55). She obtained
an associate’s degree in business administration from the Kaplan Institute in 1995. She left PNC
Financial Services in 1996, obtained her broker’s license and opened Steel City Mortgage.
After the dissolution of Steel City Mortgage, Lia opened a small restaurant in Glenshaw,
Pennsylvania called the Greek Stop. See Exhibit 2 (photos). She opened the restaurant with an
initial capital investment of $45,000.00. The restaurant serves Greek cuisine using recipes
handed down to Lia through the generations. The majority of the business is take out, but there
is limited seating for dine-in patrons, as well. Lia employs 12 people the Greek Stop, including
her estranged husband, Jay. His work at the Greek Stop is his only employment. It is this
employment at his wife’s business which he reported having to this Court on the date of his
sentencing, though he was reluctant to acknowledge his wife’s support in this endeavor.
ii. The Defendant’s Daughter and Other Family Concerns
A defendant’s role as a necessary caregiver for a family member is a factor to be
considered in determining whether a variance downward from the recommended Guidelines’
range is appropriate. See U.S. v. Wadena, 470 F.3d 735, 740 (8th Cir. 2006); see also, U.S. v.
Martinez, 557 F.3d 597 (8th Cir. 2009) (28-month downward variance for lack of criminal
history, family circumstances and health issues); U.S. v. Buerro, 549 F.3d 1176 (8th Cir. 2008)
(46-month downward variance for mitigating family circumstances upheld): U.S. v. Warfield,
283 Fed. Appx. 234 (5th Cir. 2008) (on remand from Supreme Court, family circumstances may
be considered for a downward variance and need not be extraordinary). The Tenth Circuit
upheld a downward variance based upon family circumstances stating that “Gall, however,
indicates that factors disfavored by the Sentencing Commission may be relied on by the district
court in fashioning an appropriate sentence … [even though the circumstances are] neither

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dramatic nor unusual.” U.S. v. Munoz-Nava, 524 F.3d 1137, 1148 (10th Cir. 2008).
Lia married Jay Berger on March 23, 2001. They have a six-year-old daughter, Sophia.
Lia and Jay separated in 2008. Lia believes that the separation was caused by the stress of the
criminal investigation and prosecution. The strain in the relationship was exacerbated when Mr.
Conway made it clear that he was accepting Jay Berger’s cooperation to the exclusion of Lia.
Not ironically, Lia and Jay’s separation was effective the same year Mr. Conway rejected her
cooperation in favor of her husband’s. Although Lia has wanted to see Jay’s sentence minimized
for Sophia’s sake, it has been particularly hard on her when the two would argue and Jay would
antagonistically remind her of his cooperation agreement and promise of leniency from the
government. The couple has not yet divorced. They share physical custody of Sophia. Both
parents’ work at the Greek Stop is the sole earned income stream upon which they rely to
provide for her.
Numerous character letters submitted on behalf of the defendant attest to the close, loving
relationship shared by Lia and Sophia. One of Sophia’s teachers, Deborah Weingarden, M. Ed.,
an early childhood educator writes:
Vasilia brings Sophia [to school] on time, properly dressed and
groomed, and ready for her day at school. Mother and daughter
have a close and loving relationship … She has made sure that
Sophia is doing well at school and has reinforced learning skills at
home. She has also helped Sophia by organizing play dates and
out of school activities to support Sophia’s friendships and
interests. She has volunteered throughout the school year with
projects for the children and is well respected as a hard worker by
the staff and parents … Sophia is a bright, charming girl who is
very attached to her mother. Vasilia is a devoted mother to her
only child. She stands out as a very responsible, caring, loving
mother. Separating them would be a hardship for both, particularly
for Sophia, given her young age and need for her mom.
(Letter of Deborah Weingarden, Exhibit 3).

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Another letter states:
As a full-time mom with an elementary education degree, it is easy
for me to recognize how much one-on-one time Lia has given her
daughter. Sophia excels above her classmates in many areas –
especially in art, writing, pre-reading and problem-solving skills –
as a direct result of the time and attention Lia has put forth to foster
her daughter’s development. She is an amazing parent – I have
and will continue to trust Lia to watch my own children. There is
no higher praise than that.
(Letter of Casey Schapira, Exhibit 4).
The director of the Adat Shalom Preschool and Religious School States:
I first met Vasilia several years ago, when she was looking for a
preschool for her daughter Sophia. She impressed me as being a
very conscientious parent … Vasilia was an involved and
appropriate parent … It has been obvious to me, over the last two
years, that Vasilia has a very close and loving relationship with
Sophia, and Sophia loves her mom very much!
(Letter of Gail A. Schmitt, Exhibit 5).
Lia has had Sophia in counseling since June 2009. (PSR ¶ 44). Sophia’s counselor, Dr. Robin S.
Barack, Ph.D., has diagnosed Sophia with Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and
Depressed Mood. (PSR ¶ 44). Dr. Barack indicates:
Based on her young age, it is extremely important that Sophia have
ongoing, sustained contact with both of her parents in these
formative years. It will be extremely traumatic for Sophia to be
separated from her mother and any separation will have a negative
impact on her emotional development.
(PSR ¶ 44).
In addition, Lia, in her letter to the Court, notes new physical manifestations of anxiety she
notices with Sophia, particularly compulsive licking.
Lia also cares for her elderly father, who suffers from schizophrenia and depression. Lia
has Power of Attorney for her father and manages his financial affairs as he is unable to do so on

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his own. If incarcerated, Lia will not be in a position to manage her father’s financial affairs and,
given his diminished mental health, he may not have the requisite capacity to appoint a successor
agent.
Section 3553(a), and the cases interpreting it since the Booker decision, make clear that
the district court must consider a defendant’s family responsibilities and circumstances in
deciding whether or not to grant a variance down from the recommended Guidelines’ range. In
the instant matter, the defense has produced abundant evidence of the close relationship Lia has
with her daughter and the negative impact it will have on Sophia to be apart from her mom. The
defense understands that Lia will be sentenced to a period of incarceration. However, the length
of time that Lia is ordered to serve in jail matters a great deal for Sophia. Sophia’s anxiety is
only going to get worse the longer Lia is away from her. Furthermore, Lia is the only adult upon
which Sophia can truly rely. Lia’s parents are not available to care for Sophia. Jay’s parents are
not around either. Jay is also awaiting an incarceration sentence of his own. Even if Jay is able
to care for Sophia after he is released, he will take Sophia to live with his sister, who suffers
from depression and maintains a filthy home. The misdeeds of Lia and Jay are not Sophia’s
fault, yet she will pay the greatest price because of them. Any degree to which the Court can
spare Lia, Sophia is spared.
iii. The Defendant’s Charitable Acts and Good Works
Charitable good works are to be considered as reflecting on the defendant’s character
under the § 3553(a) factors. U.S. v. Tomko, 362 F.3d 558 (3d Cir. 2009) (en banc). Good works,
in combination with other factors, may also be considered for a variance under 18 U.S.C. §
3553(a). U.S. v. Tomko, supra. In a pre-Booker/pre-Gall decision, the Third Circuit affirmed the
downward departure taken by the district court for extraordinary charitable works in significant

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part because the charitable giving involved participation by the defendant in charitable activities,
as opposed to simply monetary contributions. U.S. v. Serafini, 233 F.3d 758, 776 (3d Cir. 2000).
Furthermore, post-Gall, charitable activities need not be outside the heartland or “extraordinary”
to support a variance. See Gall, supra; U.S. v. Ali, 508 F.3d 136, 153 fn. 23 (3d Cir. 2007)
(heartland analysis does not apply to a variance as it does to a downward departure); see also
U.S. v. Pitts, 261 Fed. Appx. 377, 379 (3d Cir. 2008).
Despite working full-time and caring for Sophia, Lia has also participated extensively in
a variety of good works and volunteerism in her community. Lia has consistently volunteered at
Sophia’s schools. She volunteered at Adat Shalom Preschool, prompting Director Gail A.
Schmitt to state:
Our school encourages parent involvement, and Vasilia has
volunteered her time at the school for various projects. She has
always been dependable, and generous with her time; and Sophia
loves when her mom helps at the school. I have found Vasilia to
be very fair and honest in our school setting, as she has been
involved in handling a rebate program from her family restaurant.
Letter of Gail A. Schmitt, Exhibit 5.
A parent at the preschool observed:
Lia has been very involved in helping our daughter’s school, Adat
Shalom Preschool. Her name is always on the sign up sheets for
volunteer opportunities. She is known for stepping up when
needed. When no one else can help, Lia finds a way. Her
involvement has been and currently is crucial to the well-being of
the school. Lia is the most helpful and reliable person I know. As
the incoming President of next year’s PTO [Parent Teacher
Organization], I know I can count on Lia…
Letter of Casey Schapira, Exhibit 4.
Lia has also donated computers and three monitors to the preschool.
Lia has participated in the Aspinwall Neighborhood Watch Night Out event, honoring

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Police, Firemen and Public Safety Personnel.
She generously donated her time, staff, equipment and food to the
event (which was estimated to feed 500 [plus] people) without ever
asking for anything in return. This was the first time I had
participated in planning an event this large, but she made it easy
for me because of her experience – she donated her time and
resources numerous times in the past to help various organizations.
Id.
Since 2008, Lia has been an active volunteer to Hope Hospice. She was awarded a
Certificate of Appreciation in April of 2009 in recognition of her outstanding volunteerism.
Certificate of Appreciation, Exhibit 6.
Other volunteer and community service works include:

Aspinwall Chamber of

Commerce, President, January 2005 – December 2006; Fairview Elementary School, provided
Greek desserts that she made for 70 guests to raise money for “Ethnic Night”, February 2009;
Epilepsy Foundation of Western PA, volunteered and free food distributor for over 300 people,
helping the foundation raise over $40,000, July of 2009; Celebrate the Center, distributed free
food to over 2000 people helping to raise funds for the Boyd Community Center Operating
Fund; donation of Greek Stop gift certificates for various fundraisers including: Pittsburgh
Symphony Association, Hartwood Elementary School, North Hills Community Outreach Giving
Back Campaign, Talbot Youth Players, Fox Chapel Crew Club,; Fox Chapel Area High School
Softball Team; Teamster Horsemen Motorcycle Association, 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness
fundraiser, Fairview Elementary fundraiser, St. Joseph Parish Birthday Bash fundraiser,
Shadyside Academy Boys’ Soccer fundraiser, Fairview Elementary fundraiser for the
“Environmental Learning Garden”, and Steel City Youth Boxing. She also donates to the Adat
Shalom Synagogue School $1.00 of each receipt from parish parents who stop in to eat at the
Greek Stop.
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Lia’s character for unselfish volunteerism and community works has been established by
her years of volunteer work and her genuine interest and dedication to improving and assisting
the organizations in her community. This is yet another factor for which a downward variance is
appropriate.
iv. Law Abiding Character
Except for the instant offense, Lia Berger has always been law-abiding. She has no
criminal history, nor has she ever been in trouble with law enforcement. Her actions in this case
are an aberration. In addition, it has been almost 7 years since Ms. Berger’s office was raided by
the FBI. Since that time, she has not engaged in further criminal activity. Because of the length
of time it took to resolve the evidentiary issues in this case, the Court now has the benefit of
having almost 7 years of law-abiding behavior to consider as evidence of Lia’s rehabilitation into
society. Insofar as two goals of sentencing are to deter the wrongdoer from future misconduct
and protect society from her actions, Lia has shown over the past 7 years that the criminal
prosecution process, alone, has been adequate. While a sentence of incarceration is appropriate
in this case, it need not be lengthy to accomplish the objectives of imposing punishment.
v. Employment History and Employment of Others
Not unlike many defendant’s, an incarceration sentence will mean that Lia cannot work.
However, unlike many other defendants, the longer her sentence, the less likely it becomes the
Greek Stop will survive, which, in turn, would cost the Greek Stop employees their jobs.
Lengthy incarceration would have an extraordinary effect on Lia Berger’s business,
causing the loss of jobs to innocent employees. The Sentencing Guidelines do not explicitly
consider this factor. United States v. Olbres, 99 F.3d 28, 36 (1st Cir. 1996) (vocational skills as a
discouraged factor does not encompass job loss to innocent employees arising from

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imprisonment of the business owner).
The Second Circuit upheld a below-Guidelines’ sentence that enabled the defendant to
serve his sentence in home detention and to continue to run his business. The Court rejected the
government’s argument that there was nothing extraordinary about the prospect of imprisonment
and potentially putting a company out of business. The Court held that it was proper for the
district court to consider the “impact that the loss of his daily involvement would have on [the
defendant’s] business and, consequently, his employees.” U.S. v. Miklovsky, 65 F.3d 4, 8 (2d
Cir. 1995). “Among permissible justifications for downward departure, we have held, is the
need, given appropriate circumstances, to reduce the destructive effects that incarceration may
have on innocent third parties.” Miklovsky, 65 F.3d at 7.
Likewise, the Third Circuit has upheld a post-Booker downward variance where the
defendant, who pleaded guilty to income tax evasion, had an extensive record of community
service and provided employment to numerous other individuals. U.S. v. Tomko, 26 F.3d 558
(3d Cir. 2009) (en banc).
If Lia receives a lengthy incarceration sentence, her restaurant will not survive. As it
stands, she was forced to downgrade the operations to a level her staff might be able to manage
for a year or two. Specifically, the Greek Stop may have to operate as take out only for any
period of time Lia is incarcerated. The long-term viability of a strictly take out restaurant is
unrealistic, particularly given the fact the revenues barely cover the expenses as it is with the
dine-in option.
There are currently 12 employees on the payroll, including Jay Berger. The restaurant
will likely have to downsize from its current staff size, which is bad enough. If the Greek Stop
cannot survive an extended period of incarceration, all 12 employees will be put out of work.

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They are not responsible for Lia’s actions, but, like Sophia, those innocent people will pay a
penalty.
In addition, Jay Berger’s only earned income comes from his work at the Greek Stop. If
the Greek Stop is put out of business, Jay Berger, too, would lose his job, and the only source of
earned income he can use to support Sophia would be cut off.
Lastly, Lia tried diligently to find a buyer for her restaurant in the months preceding her
sentencing, but never received any viable offers. Jay lacks the requisite experience to run the
restaurant, in addition to the inherent difficulties that would present for Lia given their strained
personal relationship.
As far as Lia’s individual employment history, the PSR makes clear that Lia is a
hardworking individual. She has been part of the work force since she was in high school, even
having dropped out before graduating so she could work to support her parents.

Lia is

entrepreneurial, as well. She started a legitimate mortgage business with $500 to her name.
After Steel City Mortgage was shut down, she opened a successful Greek restaurant. Her history
shows that, upon release from confinement, Lia will not become a burden to society. She will
work hard and, despite her convictions, will likely develop her restaurant business into an
enormous success. She envisions expanding the restaurant throughout the Pittsburgh area and
beyond.

The only thing holding her back in the development of the Greek Stop locally,

regionally, or nationally has been not knowing what the future holds. She will emerge from her
sentence with the work ethic she has always had.
Lia has chosen to not live her life in a criminal environment.

Growing up in an

economically deprived area of the Northside, Lia undoubtedly had ample opportunity to turn to a
life of criminal behavior. Instead, she chose to work hard and value success. Her ambition and

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desire for success was, ultimately, her demise, but her work ethic remains intact. Lia is not the
type of offender who needs more time in jail to learn discipline, responsibility and work ethic.
Clearly, she has developed those attributes on her own. Accordingly, the defense requests this
Court vary downward from the recommended Guidelines’ range on the basis of Lia’s history of
employment and the fact she gainfully employs others.
vi. Extraordinary Acceptance of Responsibility, Cooperation with the
Government, Post-Offense Rehabilitation and Remorse
Post-Booker and Gall, courts may grant additional consideration to defendants who
demonstrate acceptance of responsibility and post-offense rehabilitative efforts “because such
conduct bears directly on their character, § 3553(a)(1), and on how severe a sentence is
necessary to provide deterrence and punishment, § 3553(a)(2).” U.S. v. Severino, 454 F.3d 206,
211 (3d Cir. 2006). Likewise in Gall, supra, the Court recognized that post offense efforts made
by the defendant, not as ordered by the Court, could be considered as a basis for a downward
variance and that such efforts need not be extraordinary.
The Supreme Court recently addressed the importance of analyzing a defendant’s post-
offense conduct in light of Booker, Gall, and the § 3553(a) factors. See Pepper v. U.S.,
U.S.

, 131 S.Ct. 1229 (2011). In Pepper, the Court discussed the issue of whether a

District Court, when resentencing a defendant after an appeal, can consider a defendant’s post-
sentencing rehabilitation efforts. The Court decided the issue in the affirmative stating:
Preliminarily, Congress could not have been clearer in directing
that “[n]o limitation … be placed on the information concerning
the background, character and conduct” of a defendant that a
district court may “receive and consider for the purpose of
imposing an appropriate sentence” … A categorical bar on the
consideration of postsentencing rehabilitation evidence would
directly contravene Congress’ expressed intent of § 3661.
In addition, evidence of postsentencing rehabilitation may be
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highly relevant to several of the § 3553(a) factors that Congress
has expressly instructed district courts to consider at sentencing.
For example, evidence of postsentencing rehabilitation may plainly
be relevant to the “history and characteristics of the defendant.” §
3553(a)(1). Such evidence may also be pertinent to “the need for
the sentence imposed” to serve the general purposes of sentencing
set forth in § 3553(a)(2) – in particular, to “afford adequate
deterrence to criminal conduct,” “protect the public from further
crimes of the defendant,” and “ provide the defendant with needed
educational or vocational training … or other correctional
treatment in the upmost effective manner … Postsentencing
rehabilitation may also critically inform a sentencing judge’s
overarching duty under § 3553(a) to “impose a sentence
sufficient, but not greater than necessary” to comply with the
sentencing purposes set forth in § 3553(a)(2).
Pepper, 131 S.Ct. at 1241-1242 (emphasis added).
The Court also opined, “Most fundamentally, evidence of Pepper’s conduct since his
release from custody … provides the most up-to-date picture of Pepper’s ‘history and
characteristics.’” Id. at 1242. The Court’s instruction regarding the need to consider post-
sentencing conduct logically applies equally to the consideration of post-offense conduct as
discussed in Gall.
Finally, post-Booker, the District Court may consider a defendant’s attempted
cooperation with the government, even when the government believes that the cooperation was
not sufficient to warrant the filing of a downward departure motion.
We agree that in formulating a reasonable sentence a sentencing
judge must consider the history and characteristic of the defendant
within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1) as well as the other
factors enumerated in § 3553(a), and should take under advisement
any related arguments, including the contention that a defendant
made efforts to cooperate, even if those efforts did not yield a
Government motion for a downward departure pursuant to §
5K1.1. Section 3553(a)(1), in particular, is worded broadly, and it
contains no express limitations as to what “history and
characteristics of the defendant” are relevant. This sweeping
provision presumably includes the history of a defendant’s
cooperation and characteristics evidenced by cooperation, such as
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remorse or rehabilitation.
U.S. v. Fernandez, 443 F.3d 19, 33 (2d Cir. 2006). See also U.S. v. Rosario, 2009 WL 690666
(3d Cir. 2009) (district court granted a downward variance in recognition of cooperation efforts,
even though those efforts did not merit a departure under § 5K1.1); U.S. v. Hetherngton, 328
Fed. Appx. 814 (3d Cir. 2009) (sentence not unreasonable where district court considered
defendant’s argument for a downward variance based upon cooperation with the government
despite government refusal to file a motion for departure pursuant to § 5K 1.1.).
Recently, the First Circuit discussed the relevance of considering a defendant’s
cooperative efforts where the government did not file a motion for downward departure. U.S. v.
Landron-Class, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 18367 (1st Cir. 2012). The First Circuit held:
…[N]othing in the guidelines suggests that a court’s discretion to
consider all of a defendant’s relevant conduct under § 3553(a) is
constrained by the government’s decision not to file a § 5K1.1
motion. Accordingly, we join our sister circuits in sensibly
holding that, in determining the appropriate sentence within the
guidelines, or in varying from the guidelines, a sentencing court
has discretion to consider the defendant’s cooperation with the
government as a § 3553(a) factor, even if the government has not
made a USSG § 5K1.1 motion for downward departure … No
circuit court has held to the contrary.
Landron-Class, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS at 34-34.
In the instant case, the defendant has exhibited a willingness to turn her life around in a
meaningful and positive way. After the offices at Steel City Mortgage were searched, Ms.
Berger began providing assistance to the government. She spent countless hours in meetings
with investigative agents, searching through records, and conducting file reviews to assist them
in understanding fraudulent activity of others, as well as her own company’s actions.
In February 2008, Lia Berger offered to cooperate with authorities in conducting ongoing
investigations of others suspected of committing mortgage fraud in the Western District of
Pennsylvania.

Lia’s offer included an agreement to use body recording devices and to

participate in consensual telephone calls with suspects. From February 2008 through July 2012,

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Lia cooperated with the government’s efforts to investigate other mortgage brokers and
appraisers.

She did so by working directly with the agents and/or supporting Jay’s efforts to do

so. She was asked by Jay on a few occasions, at the request of the government, to assist him in
gathering information. In addition, she provided explanations and information about the
operation of her own business.
From May 2008 through September 2008, Lia was heavily involved in her cooperative
efforts. During this time period, she met or communicated with Agents Bieshelt and Fornataro
several times a week. The first meeting of substance that Lia recalls was on May 28, 2008. At
that meeting, Agent Bieshelt told Lia that Mr. Conway was opposed to their meeting because he
did not think she could help. Contrary to Mr. Conway’s position, however, Agents Bieshelt and
Fornataro availed themselves of the opportunity to get information from Lia.
The meeting on May 28, 2008 lasted approximately 2 hours. At the first meeting, alone,
Lia provided the agents with inculpating information about approximately 10 individuals and
entities with whom she had worked in the mortgage business who had offered or solicited illegal
assistance (i.e. creative financing, falsified appraisals) in producing mortgages. Lia provided the
agents with leads involving requests for creative financing from one of the area’s most reputable
and well-known real estate companies. The information Lia provided was specific and she
delivered documentation to support the lead she provided.
The meeting on May 28, 2008 was the first of many. Lia spent the majority of 2008
meeting with agents or gathering information for them that would be useful in other
investigations. She also assisted her husband in his efforts to cooperate. After her offer to
cooperate was rejected by Mr. Conway, Lia continued to make herself available to Jay to
research information requested by the government. The two of them would frequently visit their

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office in Aspinwall and search through computer files and records looking for information
responsive to the government’s requests of Jay. When Jay’s memory would fail him regarding
specifics of their business practices and professional dealings, Lia always made a point to discuss
it with him, so that the two of them may collectively remember what took place and with whom
they had dealt on particular transactions. Lia also rearranged the schedule at the Greek Stop,
often on a moment’s notice, so that Jay could attend meetings with government officials and
testify in hearings. Lia also took over custody duty for Sophia on those days when Jay was too
busy cooperating with the government. Simply put, Jay would not been nearly as effective for
the government without Lia’s support.
The fact Lia cooperated begs the question: Why? Why would she be willing to assist
Jay? Why would Lia do anything at all to help the government after Mr. Conway rejected her
offer to cooperate? Lia got absolutely nothing in return for all the help she gave the government.
Instead, she is being buried in sentencing enhancements which have not been pursued in any
other related case, and may very well not have been sought in any other mortgage fraud case in
this district.
The government cannot argue with any merit that Lia’s efforts to cooperate were done for
self-serving reasons because she has been nothing but punished for her help.

Rather, her

cooperation is purely a function of her acceptance of responsibility, post-offense rehabilitation
and remorse. The defense respectfully submits Ms. Berger’s sentence should be reflective of the
substantial way in which she assisted federal authorities in their prosecution of her case and
others.
Also evidence of Lia’s post-offense rehabilitation is her restaurant endeavor at the Greek
Stop. After Steel City Mortgage closed, Lia immediately found a way to support her daughter

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by starting her restaurant. She has worked many long hours performing even the most menial of
tasks in the restaurant. She has been a good mother, devoting herself to Sophia at a time when it
would be so easy for her to wallow in her despair. Lia has been very active in Sophia’s schools
and active in her community. Lia is deeply remorseful for her crime and has made a sincere
effort to express that remorse through the efforts discussed, supra. In granting a downward
variance, the Court may also consider “a defendant’s degree of remorse …” U.S. v. Howe, 543
F.3d 128, 138 (3d Cir. 2008).
The defendant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court consider all the positive
steps that Lia has taken to become a productive, law-abiding citizen and to become an asset to
her community.
2. The Need for the Sentence Imposed
The sentence imposed should reflect the seriousness of the crime, afford adequate
deterrence to criminal conduct, protect the public from further crimes of the defendant, and
provide any needed educational or vocational training, medical care, or other correctional
treatment.
Mrs. Berger’s acceptance of responsibility, her many years of extensive good works, and
her post-offense rehabilitation demonstrate her respect for the law. Under the circumstances, a
sentence commensurate with that imposed upon her husband, Jay Berger, or her sister, Elleni
Berger, would serve as adequate punishment. In addition, such a sentence is sufficient to protect
the public, as there is every reason to believe Ms. Berger will not be a repeat offender.
The Third Circuit has stated that the sentencing court should not focus exclusively on
incapacitation, deterrence and punishment to the exclusion of other sentencing factors. U.S. v.
Olhovsky, 562 F.3d 530, 547 (3d Cir. 2009). The court in Olhovsky noted:

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The record should reflect that the sentencing court considered each
of the § 3553(a) factors, including the “overarching instruction” of
18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) that the court should impose a sentence that is
“sufficient, but not greater than necessary” to comply with the
purpose of [sentencing].”
Olhovsky, 562 F.3d at 547 (quoting Kimbrough, 552 U.S. 85, 111, 128 S.Ct. 558, 575 (2007))
(emphasis added by the Third Circuit).
Finally, under this factor, the Court must consider whether the defendant needs
educational or vocational training, medical care or other correctional treatment. Ms. Berger is
not in need of any such services.
3., 4., and 5. The Kinds of Sentences Available, the Guidelines Range, and Policy
Statements
According to the Probation Office, the offense level with all enhancements and
reductions is 40, with an advisory Guidelines range of 292-365 months.

However, “the

Guidelines are only one of the factors to consider when imposing sentence…” Gall, 128 S.Ct. at
602.

As will be discussed, infra, this offense level and Guidelines’ range is grossly

disproportionate to the seriousness of the offense, particularly when the case is compared to
those of other similarly situated or more serious offenders.
6. The Need to Avoid Unwarranted Sentencing Disparity
This factor does not militate against all sentence disparities, but against “unwarranted”
sentencing disparities. This case, however, is a text book example of unwarranted disparate
sentencing.

It is the defense’s position that the disparate treatment of Ms. Berger by the

government is a direct product of her exercising her right to file a motion to suppress and
refusing to waive her right to appeal. Nothing else explains the difference in the way the United
States treated Mr. Berger, Mr. Cowden, Elleni Berger and Randy Berger as compared to what it
is attempting to do to Lia.
As a threshold matter, the defense notes that, in requesting a Guidelines’ sentence, the
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government seeks punishment equal or greater to the sentence received by former Enron CEO,
Jeffrey Skilling, and far in excess of that which was imposed on LeNature’s CEO, Gregory
Podlucky. The sentence the government seeks is nonsensical.
To really get an idea for the blatant disparity in sentencing, however, it is important to
compare Lia’s offense level and corresponding Guidelines’ range to that of every related case.
The Probation Office has noted 5 related cases: U.S. v. Papastergous, 2:09-cr-00041 (Conti, J.),
U.S. v. Randy Berger, 2:09-cr-00335 (Conti, J.), U.S. v. Jay Berger, 2:09-cr-00283-001 (Conti,
J.), U.S. v. Elleni Berger, 2:09-cr-00334 (Conti, J.) and U.S. v. Cowden, 2:07-cr-00217-001
(Conti, J.) (PSR, page 1A). These defendants received sentences of 21 months incarceration, 31
months incarceration, 15 months incarceration, 36 months incarceration, and 9 months in a
halfway house, respectively.
Jay Berger and Lia Berger’s conduct was exactly the same. The defense has articulated
reasons it believes Jay Berger was slightly more culpable than Lia, but the distinction is minimal
and would only amount to a one-point adjustment down on Lia’s role in the offense
enhancement. Otherwise, their conduct was exactly the same.
For purposes of sentencing, insofar as their conduct was exactly the same, their
punishments should be exactly the same. Both Lia and Jay pled guilty. Both timely notified the
government of their intent to do so. Before being charged, Lia, through counsel, offered to
waive her right to be charged through an indictment
Obviously, Jay was given the benefit of a cooperation agreement to the exclusion of Lia.
The defense concedes he did cooperate pursuant to that agreement.

However, Lia was

instrumental in cooperating with the agents, as well, and supporting Jay in his efforts. On certain
occasions, Jay would have been unavailable to cooperate without Lia’s support (e.g. watching

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Sophia on days Jay was supposed to have custody, rearranging Jay’s work schedule at the Greek
Stop, etc.). In addition to providing the agents with a great deal of information about the
mortgage fraud practices in the district, Lia was the one who made it possible for Jay to
cooperate, even after she was cut off.
There is no distinction between Jay’s conduct and Lia’s. There is no distinction between
their post-offense conduct. There is, therefore, no reason for a sentencing disparity between the
two of them.
As a practical matter, courts in this district often “cut in half” a defendant’s sentence
based upon their cooperative efforts. The defense was not privy to the discussion of Mr.
Berger’s cooperation at his sentencing because the matter was addressed under seal. Similarly,
the defense is not aware of the Court’s deliberative process in arriving at Mr. Berger’s 15-month
sentence. For the sake of argument, however, if Mr. Berger’s sentence was halved on the basis
of his cooperation, it can be assumed his sentence, absent his cooperation, would have been
approximately 30 months. The defense believes a sentence of 30 months for Lia would be
appropriate, should the Court feel the need to protect the integrity of the cooperation system and
the §5K1.1 departures.
A sentence of 30 months would be comparable to that which was imposed on Elleni
Berger. Elleni Berger is Lia’s sister, who owned and operated All Credit Finance. Elleni held a
comparable leadership role at All Credit Finance. Her fraudulent activity was virtually identical
to that of Lia’s. In fact, in seeking to attribute the monetary loss caused by Elleni Berger to Lia,
the government, at the loss hearing in September 2011, called to the stand Michelle Sacramento
to testify as to the similarities in conduct between the two sisters.
Mr Conway: So when you think about the type of fraud at All
Credit and the type of fraud at Steel City, how do you compare
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these two?
Ms. Sacramento: It was basically the same. I mean, I held the
position and performed the same actions in regards to the
fraudulent activity of both companies.
(September 15, 2011 Tr., page 118).
Again, similar conduct warrants similar punishment. If anything Elleni Berger bears more
criminal responsibility. Elleni Berger was not a cooperating witness for the government. Unlike
Lia, she did not cooperate with authorities even without a cooperation agreement. She also pled
guilty to certain tax evasion charges, which is not conduct for which Lia has been convicted.
The government may suggest that the loss caused by Elleni Berger was less than that
which was caused by Ms. Berger, thus justifying a harsher sentence for Lia. Such an argument is
untrue. At the loss hearing, over defense objection, the Court found the loss caused by Elleni
Berger is attributable to Lia as relevant conduct pursuant to the Sentencing Guidelines. As such,
although the government did not seek to prove the loss caused by Lia in Elleni’s case, let alone
have it attributed to Elleni, the “value” of their fraud was the same, too. Accordingly, Lia’s
sentence should be no greater than that of her sister, Elleni Berger.
The defense acknowledges that Mr. Papastergous, Randy Berger, and Mr. Cowden’s
cases all include facts and circumstances which would justify a lower sentence than that which
the Court should impose on Lia. Mr. Papastergous, for instance, was a lower level employee at
Steel City Mortgage and, by virtue of his role in the offense, should receive a lighter sentence
than Lia. The defense would submit that Mr. Cowden is more culpable than Ms. Berger, but the
extent of his cooperation was considerable.

Nevertheless, although Lia should receive a

lengthier sentence than these individuals, nothing justifies a sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison
as compared to their sentences. Even as compared to these more minor players, the sentencing

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disparity is wholly unwarranted.
The radical disparity in sentencing sought by the government in this case necessarily begs
the question: what is the reason? The conduct was the same. The acceptance of responsibility
was the same. What is the difference between Lia Berger and the other related-case defendants
that could be causing such disparate treatment?
The only difference between Lia and the others is that Lia declined a plea agreement
offer from the government. As a practical matter, the only difference between Lia’s case and
those of the other defendants is that she exercised her constitutional right to file a Motion to
Suppress and retained her right to appeal.
Indeed Mr. Conway alluded to the fact Ms. Berger retained her right to appeal as being a
reason why she was subject to harsher penalties at sentencing.

On February 11, 2011, the Court

held a hearing on a motion filed by the defense for production of materials relevant to the issue
of loss in the case. On the record, Mr. Conway stated:
Your Honor, let me address that for a moment because, certainly,
there are plea agreements entered into, in this case. Right? But the
benefit -- the government gets the benefit of the plea agreement, as
well. We get an appeal waiver. We get enhancement to
leadership role. We get abuse of position of trusts, other
enhancements.
That if he wants -- he wants, basically, he wants to argue that, hey,
the government should be forced to agree to a loss amount agreed
to in other cases, but we don’t want to be forced to agree to those
other stipulations. We don’t want to agree to an abuse of position
of trust enhancement. We don’t have to agree with the leadership
role. And, also, that loss number, we don’t want to agree that
that’s the loss number. We want to agree it’s even less.
So, he wants to try to get, essentially, the benefit of a bargain for
another contract for which he’s not the party. And the government
gets no benefit to any of that, any of those negotiations in that.
That’s basic contract principles.

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(February 11, 2011 Tr., pages 18-19) (emphasis added).
“[A]though prosecutorial discretion is broad, it is not ‘‘unfettered.’ Selectivity in the
enforcement of criminal laws is … subject to constitutional constraints.’” Wayte v. U.S., 470
U.S. 598, 608, 105 S.Ct. 1524, 1531 (1985) (quoting U.S. v. Batchelder, 442 U.S. 114, 125
(1975)). The decision to prosecute cannot be based upon a defendant’s exercise of constitutional
rights. Wayte, 470 U.S. at 608 (citing U.S. v. Goodwin, 457 U.S. 368, 380, n. 11 (1982)). A
showing of selective prosecution requires that a defendant show that the prosecutor’s passive
enforcement of criminal laws had a discriminatory effect and was motivated by a discriminatory
purpose. Id. (internal citations omitted).
The defense does not suggest that the decision to charge Ms. Berger was selective or
discriminatory. However, the process of prosecution is not limited to charging decisions. In this
case, the gross disparity between the sentencing efforts of the government in Lia’s case versus
what it sought in the related cases was purely a function of Lia’s exercise of her constitutional
rights.
To be clear, at the time he made the statement cited above, Mr. Conway was speaking as
to why Lia was exposed to a greater loss number than other related defendants, including her
husband. Nevertheless, at the time the statement was made, Mr. Conway sought to levy a loss in
excess of $30,000,000 on Lia for her role, which, if proven, would have resulted in an offense
level of 44, using the current calculation from the Probation Office. There can be no mistaking
the intent of this statement: Mr. Conway’s statement conveyed to the Court Lia’s loss should be
greater than the others because she rejected his plea offer, because she retained her right to
appeal, and because she exercised her constitutional rights, in doing so.
The initial draft PSR from Ms. Banta issued in April 2011 placed Lia at an overall

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offense level of *32*. This calculation was based upon a loss of approximately $11,000,000.00,
which exceeded the loss this Court ultimately determined could be attributed to Lia. Had Ms.
Banta’s loss calculation included the Court’s findings, the offense level calculation would have
been a 28 – the same as that of Jay Berger.
The additional enhancements were piled on at the request of the government and the total
is now a staggering 40. Ms. Berger received all the same enhancements as the others, plus many
more. The government did not need the benefit of a plea agreement to get enhancements in Lia’s
case, but they did need it to get an appeal waiver. It is because Lia refused to waive her appeal
rights that the government now wants to sentence her on par with a heinous criminal such as Mr.
Sandusky.
There can be no more obvious example of selective prosecution than this case. The
defense is not quibbling about disparities of a couple months – even a couple years. The
disparity in sentencing in this case is decades. The reason for the disparity came from the
prosecutor’s own words, on the record, and in open court – Lia Berger, unlike the others, would
not waive her right to appeal. She is now being punished for having exercised that right.
7. The Need to Provide Restitution
Restitution is applicable in this case. Ms. Berger’s continued management of the Greek
Stop will help to assure her ability to make restitution. Without assured continued employment,
Ms. Berger does not have the financial means to make restitution. Likewise, the probation
officer found that the defendant does not have the financial ability to pay a fine due to lack of
valuable, unencumbered assets and accrued debt. (PSR ¶ 63).
CONCLUSION
Sixteen marble columns adorn the west entrance to the United States Supreme Court.

29

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Incised in the architecture above are the words “Equal Justice Under the Law”; an appropriate
caption for the bastion of American constitutional rights. Indeed not only does the Supreme
Court announce this ideal, but the Department of Justice has adopted it as the preeminent core
value to guide its people in their endeavors to carry out justice. Yet, at times, accomplishing that
ideal seems far distant from an individual prosecutor.
The Constitution – which embodies our deepest commitment to fairness and human rights
– stands to safeguard liberty precisely at the moments in which passions and political pressure
generate incentives to sacrifice those timeless values to short-term goals. But the Constitution is
not self-executing; it requires courts, which possess the requisite perspective and neutrality, to
enforce those rights, and to ensure fidelity to these core commitments.
WHEREFORE, the defense respectfully requests the Court honor the defendant’s request
for a downward variance and impose an incarceration sentence consistent with the offense, the
offender and other similarly situated defendants.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ J. Alan Johnson, Esquire
PA ID No. 10504
/s/ Meagan F. Temple, Esquire
PA ID No. 92084
JOHNSON, BRUZZESE & TEMPLE, LLC
1720 Gulf Tower
707 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Telephone: (412) 338-4790
Facsimile: (412) 227-3851
jjohnson@jbtattorneys.com
mtemple@jbtattorneys.com
30

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