It has been a few days and I feel like it is time to comment on the outcome of Dave Guardala's sentence from comments from victims that attended the long overdue event in New York - 9.11.09.
There were many things that had me upset for a few days about the sentence and the trial, but the one thing that still has me a little angry is the way the judge handled the victims in court. Dave Guardala was aloud to speak and the many victims that came to speak were shut down. Dave was said to be blaming the world for what happened, and then talking about helping kids and puppies. These guys that Dave Guardala ripped off had to listen to this crazy sounding fool and then were told that it didn't matter what they had to say.
My friend had prepared and was ready to state the facts and really wanted to after listening to Dave's ramblings, but was not given that right. Any chance for a little closure or sense of confronting this thief was denied by the judge.
I was totally enraged as I was told how he handled these guys. Even if it was not going to influence the outcome in any way, they should have been aloud to speak. Even Guardala's elderly high school teacher was not aloud to address Dave from the bench. I think this was a total travesty of justice. LEt the psychopath speak and slap the victims. Very lame and wrong!!
Then, the very least sentence Dave might get was 48 months, and this is what Guardala got - 48 months total. This of course will include 2 years of "Time served" and means he will be out in less than 2 years.
Dave Guardala stole over a million dollars here in the US and likely over a million abroad. He cost real people that I know houses, life savings, wives, girlfriends, best friends, embarrassment, and ongoing financial hardships that will follow some to the grave. Is a couple million bucks worth 48 months? Some would say YES!! What an odd encouragement to steal and balance the cost as low enough to consider it.
The only real consolation was Guardala was stopped by a few musicians, of whom I am proud to be acquainted.
Dave Guardala will be out again in a couple of years. There is little doubt in my mind that a few more months will rehabilitate Guardala, making him a puppy loving child supporter. It would be my prediction that Dave Guardala will spend the next 40 months perfecting a system of stealing that might look like a long term retirement plan. I think we would all be VERY surprised to see a check from Dave (he did promise to pay us all back), and just as surprised to see 5 years roll by without another trip to the big house.
I wish all those effected by Dave Guardala peace and blessing, since I can't find anyone that has been left a better person from any contact with this person.
I am glad it is over. Too many years now.
I hope there is nothing to add to this blog for many more years.........................................
