Sweet said federal guidelines called for at least a 6-1/2 year prison term, but that Li deserved less because he "owned up" quickly, and cooperated with prosecutors despite knowing criminal charges were likely.
The judge said "this sort of acceptance of responsibility is extraordinary," and expressed hope that his lack of criminal history and "manifest remorse" would allow him to eventually find work, rebuild his life and start repaying his victims.
The case is U.S. v. Li, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 15-cr-00870.