Rubashkin apologizes during sentencing hearing

Sholom Rubashkin choked back tears as he tried to explain to Chief Judge Linda Reade that he'd lost his way.

Rubashkin was the final person to speak at the close of his two-day sentencing hearing in U.S. District court today.

A former executive with the now defunct Agriprocessors kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Rubashkin faces up to 43 years in prison on 86 counts of fraud.

“I apologize to the community and especially to my dear wife and children for the harm I caused them,” he said.

During the five months he was in jail, Rubashkin said he learned things about himself that were difficult to express. “I am a conflicted and flawed human being,” he said.

He said he allowed himself to be pulled into the family business when he really wanted to remain a teacher.

“I made mistakes, a lot of them,” he said.

It is unlikely Rubashkin will be sentenced to the 43 years allowed by the federal sentencing guidelines. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan, who prosecuted the case, asked the the judge to impose a sentence of 25 years.

Rubashkin's attorneys asked for a sentence of six years or at worst a sentence under 10 years. That would allow him to qualify for a prison camp in New York that provides some accommodation for observant Jews.

Rubashkin, who is 51, said 25 years in prison is a life sentence for him.

Reade indicated she would issue her ruling within a month.