A politically connected Staten Island businessman who blamed Hurricane Sandy for his writing $82 million in bad checks was sentenced Tuesday to probation.
Federal Judge Raymond Dearie cited Saquib Khan’s standing and good works in the community in the decision not to follow the sentencing guidelines and send him to prison for up to 78 months. Khan operates a company that supplies gas stations with cigarettes and other grocery products.
Khan’s lawyers submitted letters from State Sen. Diane Savino and former U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Martin Ficke praising his help fostering cooperation between the Muslim community and law enforcement after 9/11.
The 2012 superstorm slammed Khan’s company by shutting down gas stations and other vendors, which interrupted the businessman’s credit line and cash flow.
He tried to make up the cash gap by writing millions of dollars in bad checks, according to court papers.
Khan still faces the possibility of being deported to Pakistan because he is now a convicted felon. He must also pay $4.8 million to the government in forfeiture funds and $4.8 million in restitution to several banks.
He was greeted by a busload of supporters at the sentencing. But shortly after the sentencing some of his associates attacked newspaper photographers. No one was seriously hurt.
Khan later returned to the courthouse and apologized for his supporters’ violent behavior.
“I want to remain in this country rebuilding myself and pay my restitution,” said Khan, who now runs a Bagels R Us outlet in Staten Island.
“I’m very grateful to the judge and I will not let him down.”
