Another example of victim calling for a reduced sentence

Regular readers know I like to spotlight cases in which a crime victim has been a voice for sentencing leniency rather than toughness.  This new article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, headlined "Victim's forgiveness keeps embezzler out of prison," provides another example.  Here are the deatils from the start of the article:

Elizabeth "Betty" Greenawalt embezzled more than $900,000 from her long-time employer and neighbor, robbing him of money that he could have taken into his retirement.  Ralph Bucci went to Delaware County Court yesterday for Greenawalt's sentencing. Instead of seeking revenge, he offered forgiveness. "I do not seek a prison sentence on my behalf," Bucci told Judge James F. Nilon Jr.

Joan Bucci, his wife, called it a difficult day for her.  She mentioned Greenawalt's gambling addiction and said Greenawalt's actions had hurt the family emotionally and financially.  The Buccis' two daughters and son also testified that they had no desire to see Greenawalt go to prison, and that they also forgave her.

Greenawalt, who turned 66 yesterday, is in remission from Stage IV ovarian cancer.  She was sentenced to nine months of house arrest and more than 19 years of probation, and ordered to pay approximately $636,000 in restitution and serve 300 hours of community service.