Benjamin Brafman, the attorney of famed jeweler Jacob Arabov, a.k.a. Jacob the Jeweler, has released a statement to VIBE concerning Arabov's sentencing today.
Arabov will serve 2 1/2 years in prison for lying to federal agents investigating Black Mafia Family. Arabov was accused of laundering about $270 million in drug profits for BMF, a drug ring that started in Detroit. For seven years Arabov was investigated, the AP reports.
In October, Arabov pleaded guilty to falsifying records and giving false statements after striking a deal with federal prosecutors for a minimum sentence of three years and one month.
"Jacob Arabov and his counsel are pleased that Judge Cohn recognized the amazing story of Jacob, who at age 14, emigrated from the former Soviet Union, came to the United States with nothing, and yet managed to become one of the most respected, beloved and successful jewelers in the world," Brafman said in his statement. "Mr. Arabov and his family are grateful that Judge Cohn considered his substantial philanthropic work in imposing a lower prison sentence than called for in Mr. Arabov's Plea Agreement."
Arabov was sentenced today in a Detroit courtroom. He's been ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and make a $2 million forfeiture payment to the government.
"I feel ashamed that I broke the laws of this country, a country that has been so good for me," Arabov said in a statement. "I will carry this shame for the rest of my life."
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