A judge sentenced former police officer Steven Mandell, who was found guilty earlier this year of planning a violent extortion plot, to life in prison plus five years.
Prosecutors said Mandell, 64, masterminded an elaborate plan to abduct suburban businessman Steve Campbell and take him to a fake business at 5803 West Devon Avenue where he would be tortured and forced to sign over real estate deeds and other items.
Officials claim Mandell and an accomplice constructed an elaborate torture chamber, stocked with saws, cutting boards, grinders and other tools, which was dubbed "Club Med."
In February, Mandell was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to kidnap, one count of conspiracy to extort, one count of extortion, one count of obstruction of justice and one count possession/use of a firearm by a felon.
Mandell was found not guilty of two counts of murder for hire for another plan to kill Anthony Quaranto, a consultant to the Polekats strip club.
When the judge initially polled the jurors, one of them said she didn't agree with the verdict on the last two counts. After further discussion, the judge determined the verdicts will stand.
Mandell’s attorney on Thursday asked for a 15-year sentence, while sentencing guidelines require life.
Before his sentencing, Mandell accused prosecutors of withholding evidence at his trial and called the case against him "insanely unrealistic baloney." He maintained his innocence before thanking judge and wishing her a "Merry Christmas."
After a lengthy review of federal sentencing guidelines Judge Amy St. Eve said she does "not see an inkling of remorse, which is disturbing."
"The fact that you are engaging in this kind of conduct at your age," she said, "means you are not going to change."
