Corrupt Silk Road DEA agent prosecutors seek 7-year sentence

Force's behavior began to escalate as part of a federal investigation into the online black market, Silk Road, into the United States government. He pleaded guilty in July.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 14:00 on October 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, presided by Judge Richard Seeborg. The government has asked the court to sentence him to 87 months in prison, a total of seven years and three months, and to be released after three years of supervision.

According to court documents, the defendant plans to ask for a sentence below legal guidelines, citing mental health issues he suffered during the time of his crimes.

Acting Attorney General Brian Stretch wrote in government filings that Force “abused the public trust and brought disrepute to the law enforcement process” and that he did not deserve leniency. He later wrote that Force’s actions had brought disrepute to U.S. law enforcement, stating:

"He was entrusted by the government to act in a manner consistent with the standards to protect and serve the public, sworn in as a law enforcement officer, and provided with a badge and a handgun. Force's conduct undermines public confidence in law enforcement and threatens the integrity of the entire criminal justice system."