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SALT LAKE CITY — Federal prosecutors say convicted internet marketer Jeremy Johnson could spend nearly 34 years behind bars for making false statements to a bank.
The Utah U.S. Attorney's Office calculated the possible sentence based on a complicated federal formula that includes enhancements for Johnson being the ring leader and obstructing justice during the trial as well as monetary loss, according to court documents.
In all, prosecutors say Johnson's sentence could range from a minimum of 27 years and a maximum of just under 34 years in prison.
Prosecutors accused him and two associates of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering stemming from Johnson's once booming online business, iWorks. But in the end, a jury found Johnson guilty on only eight counts of giving false statements to a bank. He was acquitted of 78 other charges.
The jury also convicted Johnson's former associate, Ryan Riddle, on just six of the 56 counts against him. Like Johnson, those charges were giving false statements to a bank. Another defendant, Scott Leavitt, was acquitted on all charges.
Prosecutors calculated Riddle's sentence could range from 15 ½ to 19 ½ years in prison.
The government will recommend that U.S. District Judge David Nuffer order sentences less than the guideline ranges for both Johnson and Riddle, according to court documents. However, it asked the judge to allow it to reserve its final sentencing recommendation until after a pre-sentence report is completed.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 20.
