Brett Cott

HARRISBURG -- The first defendant sent to prison in the Bonusgate government corruption trial is asking to have his sentenced reduced.

Brett Cott was sentenced in May to 21 to 60 months in state prison, the top of the standard sentencing range for his three felony convictions.

In brief arguments today, his attorney Bryan Walk of Hershey said the punishment is harsh and excessive for a defendant with no criminal record.

He said Dauphin County Judge Richard A. Lewis should have considered the sentiment of jurors who had asked for leniency, but agreed that sentencing is the court's job, not jurors'. Two Bonusgate jurors recently wrote letters to the court saying the sentence is too stiff.

"What if I have a juror tell me the sentence is too lenient? What should I do then?" Judge Lewis asked Mr. Walk.

Mr. Cott said nothing during his first court appearance since his sentencing May 21. He appeared in court in a suit and with his cuffed hands attached to a chain around his waist.

Prosecutors said the sentence is appropriate and should not be changed.

Judge Lewis is expected to rule next week.

Meanwhile, two of Cott's co-defendants -- former state Rep. Mike Veon and former aide Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink -- are scheduled for sentencing Friday. Mr. Veon was found guilty of 14 criminal counts and Mrs. Perretta-Rosepink, five.

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