Con man receives 15-year sentence

Alit Khan didn't physically harm anyone, but in Gary Siegel's mind, he's a killer.

“He did in fact murder the person I was,” said Siegel, who read his victim impact statement during Monday's sentencing hearing for Khan, a 28-year-old Des Plaines resident convicted last month of bilking Siegel out of a quarter of a million dollars, a class 1 felony punishable by four to 15 years in prison.

“I am completely, financially ruined,” said Siegel, adding that he never paid a bill late before he met Khan, also known as Taha Mahmoud.

In July, Khan pleaded guilty to theft and deceptive practices, a class 2 felony that carries a sentence of three to seven years in prison. At that time, Khan admitted writing bad checks totaling about $11,000 to Sam & Harry's, a Schaumburg steakhouse. Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo delayed sentencing on that plea until this trial concluded. Denying prosecutors' request to impose consecutive sentences, Scotillo sentenced Khan to five years for the bad checks and 15 years — the maximum — for stealing from Siegel. Scotillo also imposed a $25,000 fine and ordered Khan to pay full restitution.

Siegel testified during Khan's bench trial that he accepted a job from Khan in 2009 believing he would become Khan's protégé and learn real estate development. Instead, Khan took him to the tune of $250,000. Siegel and his wife used their children's college funds and his parents tapped into their retirement savings to erase the debt, Siegel said.

Being duped sent Siegel into a downward spiral culminating in depression, sleeplessness and alcohol use for which he sought medication and therapy.

“I am forever changed due to this malicious encounter,” said the poised Siegel, adding that he is no longer the husband, father, son and friend he was.

Having lost his self-confidence and the ability to trust, Siegel said he feels like a failure. At the same time, he acknowledged that he learned a terrible lesson.

“I know one person… has the power to kill many without physically killing any,” he said.

Khan's attorney, Michael Norris, offered no mitigation, but argued against Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Clarissa Palermo's “absolutely outrageous request” that Khan be sentenced to the maximum for each offense and that the sentences run consecutively.

Speaking on his own behalf, Khan blamed the victim, claiming “the picture that has been painted is not the true picture.” His remarks prompted one observer to call him a “liar” accompanied by an expletive. The observer left the courtroom at sheriff's deputies' request.

“Where did the money go? The money went to (Khan) and his greed. He took the food out of the mouths of Gary's children,” said Palermo, who requested Scotillo sentence Khan to 22 years total to protect the public and illustrate the devastating impact of financial crimes.

“If there were ever a case to impose elected sentences and consecutive sentences this would be the case… Not only does he deserve it, he earned it,” said Palermo.

Palatine resident Will Harling, who claims Khan charged $500,000 to Harling's credit card without authorization, was pleased with the sentence.

“I'm glad he got what he got and we'll go from there,” said Harling, whose case is among at least five still pending against Khan, who requested a new attorney during Monday's hearing. Khan received credit for 611 days in custody. He must complete at least 50 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He next appears in court on Feb. 3 for a status hearing on the pending cases.