BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Former democratic congressional candidate Nate McMurray is calling for a federal judge to demand former congressman Chris Collins repay his salary "from the date of his indictment until his resignation and forfeit his taxpayer-funded pension."
McMurray is one dozens of people who has submitted a letter, in federal court, against Collins. Collins is due to be sentenced for insider trading-related charges on January 17 at U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
McMurray writes, "I share my comments with full sincerity and an understanding of the possible consequences of my words." He says Collins "actions and character must be examined."
"Mr. Collins continually lied to voters by proclaiming his innocence and ultimately won re-election," McMurray wrote to the judge. He "betrayed his constituents and will forever have his name tainted...he knowingly abused the trust of the people of Western New York."
McMurray acknowledged his failed bid for office, trying to dispel any perceived bias in his statement.
Jim DeCamp writes he is one of Collins former constituents and calls for the maximum sentence.
"Nobody is above the law and his offense, committed on the White House lawn, reeks of privilege," DeCamp wrote.
During the White House's congressional picnic in 2017, prosecutors say Collins got bad news about a failed drug trial for multiple sclerosis. Collins was the largest stock holder. Prosecutors say Collins called his son, Cameron, from the White House lawn to tell him about the failed drug trial. Cameron Collins owned many shares of the company conducting the trial. He dumped them before news of the failed trial became public.
At his guilty plea in October, Collins said "I tried to be a model citizen and I'm embarrassed and dismayed because the actions are anything but what a model citizen would take."
Meantime, many letters were submitted on Collins' behalf, asking the judge to be lenient in sentencing.
Read the letters here:
Lawyers for Collins are now asking that he face no time behind bars when he's sentenced.
They made a pre-sentence submission on Collins' behalf late Tuesday, saying he should not go to prison because of his contrition, advanced age and good charitable works. They further argued there's no chance he'll commit future crimes.
