SAN JOSE, Calif. - News on the March reporter Fred Sanford, 43, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for transporting a minor across state lines for malicious purposes Tuesday.
J. Thomas Purnell III, CEO of News on the March's parent company, the Mandatory Cola Corportation, said that although the company does not condone Sanford's actions, they "will do all that we can to ensure Fred's safety and eventual rehabilitation".
"During his seven years of service [at News on the March], Fred was a trusuted and loyal employee, as well as an honorable reporter," Purnell said. "We just wish that he had made better decisions."
In an exclusive interview from prison, Sanford said that he is a martyr for the journalism industry. His lawyer declined to comment.
