Carton Sentenced To 42 Months
• Former WFAN/New York morning co-host Craig Carton was sentenced on Friday to 42 months in prison in a nearly $7 million ticket resale scam that was meant to pay off his large gambling debts.
The New York Post reports the 50-year-old Carton had begged for no prison time in Manhattan federal court, but couldn’t sway Judge Colleen McMahon, a self-described former fan who greeted Carton by saying, “Good afternoon, Mr. Carton. Colleen from New York. First time, long time.” She then proceeded to tear into him, saying, “Your marriage is over, your kids are terrified… reputation in tatters,” as Carton, the father of four sat motionless. “Craig Carton, you have indeed descended into a hell of your own making.”
Carton rose to fame in 2007 as half of WFAN’s Boomer and Cartonmorning show, paired with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. He resigned from the show after his arrest in September 2017.
Sports Illustrated reports that Carton was convicted last November for his role in defrauding investors in his ticket reselling business. Prosecutors said Carton instead used the money on personal expenses, including gambling, and misappropriated at least $5.6 million. Carton’s co-conspirators Michael Wrightand Joseph Meliwere sentenced to nearly two years and 6 1/2 years in prison, respectively.
As he begged for a no-prison sentence, Carton claimed he was driven to a life of crime by “demons,” while also claiming he was a victim of sexual abuse as a child. He said he turned to gambling to escape that pain. “I never intended to take money from people and not pay them back,” Carton said. “I had grandiose plans about how we would all make money together.” Judge McMahon, however, remained unmoved, as she told him, “A gambling addiction is not an excuse for stealing from people or defrauding people,” adding, “You broke the compact, so you have to take a timeout from society.” On top of the 42-month sentence, Carton was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and pay $4.8 million in restitution. He is scheduled to report to prison on July 15.
