United States v. Bakker
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
925 F.2d 728 (1991)
Relevant factsFree
Televangelist Bakker (defendant) was convicted of fraud for selling far more "lifetime partnership" retreat-center contributions than promised while diverting most funds to his network and personal lifestyle; at sentencing, the judge remarked that Bakker had "no thought whatever about his victims" and that "those of us who do have a religion are ridiculed as being saps from money-grubbing preachers," then imposed a 45-year sentence and $500,000 fine, which Bakker appealed.
IssueFree
Whether a judge's personal religious convictions are a permissible consideration in determining an appropriate sentence.