WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Samuel Brown, the last defendant tried for the 1981 Brink's armored car robbery, was sentenced today to 75 years to life in jail for the murders of two police officers and a security guard.
'I harbor no illusions about you, Mr. Brown,' Judge David Ritter said in rejecting defense pleas for leniency and a dismissal of the charges. 'Your confederates hold society in contempt.'
Ritter acknowledged defense claims that Brown was beaten in jail but said the beatings did not produce evidence leading to Brown's conviction on robbery and murder charges.
Brown was sentenced to three consecutive terms of 25 years to life for the murders of Brink's guard Peter Paige of New Jersey and police officer Waverly Brown and Sgt. Edward O'Grady, both of Nyack. The $1.6 million stolen from Brink's was recovered.
Brown also received concerrent senteces of 12 to 25 years for four counts of first-degree robbery.
Brown's attorney, Robbert Isseks, said he planned to appeal.
Brown, in a statement before sentencing told Ritter: 'I wish to let you know that I am not a subversive or a terrorist advocating any kind of violence for the overthrow of the U.S. government.
'I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of a revolutionary group.'
Brown was found guilty June 14 of seven counts of robbery and murder stemming from the Oct. 20, 1981, heist in Nanuet, N.Y.
The government contended the heist was staged by white Weather Underground members and black radicals to finance creation of New Afrika - a black nation in five southern states.
Former Weather Underground leader Kathy Boudin pleaded guilty to reduced charges in April and is serving 20 years to life. Three others - her husband David Gilbert, Weather Underground member Judith Clark and Black Liberation Army member Kuwasi Balagoon -- were convicted last fall and sentenced to 75 years to life.
Five others were convicted on related federal charges and four remaining suspects -- including Shakur -- wanted for their part in the robbery remain at large.
Isseks argued last Wednesday that Brown was beaten, received poor medical treatment and had several lawyers who gave ineffective representation.
Rockland County District Attorney Kenneth Gribetz said Isseks failed to prove Brown was beaten or had insufficient counsel.
Brown contended during his trial he was taken to the robbery by acupuncturist Mutulu Shakur who wanted his advice on something relating to acupuncture.
Brown, who was a cook at Shakur's Black Acupuncture Association of North America before the robbery, claimed he was in Rockland jail on Oct. 21, 1981, when several guards used sticks to beat about the body and neck.
The state case, moved twice on defense change of venue requests, cost Rockland more than $5 million for security and led officials to seek federal reimbursement.
