White collared; Judge sends right message in tax, fraud case.

COLUMN: In our opinion

A federal judge this week delivered a well-warranted dope slap to the kind of arrogance and abuse of trust that too often has tainted the image of the legal profession.

In sentencing disbarred Princeton lawyer Alan Mason to nine years in prison for income tax evasion and wire fraud, U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV made it clear that there would be no pat-on-the-wrist treatment in his courtroom for perpetrators of white-collar crimes.

The amount of money involved in this case was significant. Mr. Mason was ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution to Stewart Title Guaranty Co., as well as to arrange with the IRS for payment of another $5.9 million in taxes.

Equally important were the principles involved in the case. Americans make few investments more important and with greater long-term implications than real estate, and Mr. Mason's actions in pocketing funds meant to pay off lien holders resulted in delays and headaches for banks and heartache for would-be property owners from several Central Massachusetts communities.

Judge Saylor also made clear that intent and attitude still count for much in the eyes of the law. Mr. Mason's expressions of remorse counted for less in the courtroom than what Judge Saylor called the defendant's "angry and self-justifying" behavior, along with abundant evidence that Mr. Mason repeatedly violated restraining orders barring him from working in the real estate field.

No single case can curb all those intent on violating the law. But a lengthy prison term in this case is a welcome reminder that those who fly high on the wings of greed and speculation may have a very long way to fall.