Trevor Milton, the disgraced founder of Nikola, was just sentenced to four years in prison on three counts of fraud.
In October 2022, a jury found Milton guilty of one count of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Milton faced up to 60 years in prison. Prosecutors asked the judge for an 11-year prison sentence and a $5 million fine, according to The New York Times, while the defense argued for probation.
After announcing the sentence at a federal court hearing in New York City, U.S. District Judge Edgar Ramos spoke directly to Milton. “As difficult as it may be for you or your family to hear, I believe the jury got it right,” Ramos said, as transcribed Reuters.
Milton addressed the court before sentencing was handed down, saying “I did not intend to harm anyone and I did not commit those crimes levied against me.” He also spoke at length about his rural upbringing and recited biblical verse.
Prosecutors claimed that Milton pumped up the value of the company’s stock by lying…