NEW YORK -- In a resentencing hearing last week, the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals here has lowered the fine imposed against Stew Leonard in a tax fraud case. The fine was reduced by $200,000 -- from $850,000 to $650,000 -- after the appeals court ruled that the original judge in the case had not given sufficient reason for setting the fine so far beyond the maximum level of $100,000 established in guidelines set up by the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Leonard is in the 10th month of a 52-month term, which wasn't affected by the resentencing.
