Anthony Weiner, a U.S. congressman from New York City whose uncontrollable sexting habits prompted an ignominious tumble from national prominence, was sentenced Monday to 21 months of hard time, reports the New York Daily News. Appearing gaunt and grim, the disgraced politician was sentenced by Judge Denise Cote for sending sexual messages to a 15-year-old girl. He wore a navy suit and pale green tie – and still sported his wedding band, though he is in the midst of a divorce from Huma Abedin, a top aide to Hillary Clinton. Abedin did not appear in court.
The sentence was an exclamation point on Weiner’s stunning personal and political fall— from a rising-star congressman to a registered sex offender. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of two years behind bars. Weiner, 53, asked for probation, with his lawyers arguing he is sick and needs therapy, not incarceration. Weiner pleaded guilty on May 19 to transmitting obscene material to a minor, tearfully telling the judge, “I have a sickness, but I do not have an excuse.” That same day, Abedin filed for divorce.