Denzel, Others Go to Bat for Snipes

He's a 'mighty oak,' judge told; sentencing in tax case tomorrow
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 23, 2008 9:35 PM CDT
Denzel, Others Go to Bat for Snipes
Actor Wesley Snipes signs autographs outside the Golden-Collum Memorial Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008.    (AP Photo/Joe Kaleita)

Wesley Snipes is not merely an actor trying to get out of a jail sentence on tax charges. He is a "mighty oak," says Denzel Washington. "True citizen of the world," says Woody Harrelson. "Goodness in his heart," says Judge Joe Brown. Snipes is hoping such character references will persuade a judge to go easy on him at tomorrow's sentencing, the Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner reports.

Snipes faces up to 3 years in jail and a $5 million fine for not filing taxes. In a bid to get probation instead, Snipes lined up some celebrity big guns to vouch for his character. "I strongly believe that jail time would not benefit Wesley," said another TV judge, Greg Mathis. (More Wesley Snipes stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X