However, he tried to recoup the funds (in a way that now proved to be the wrong way) and he had other projects he worked on that might have helped pay funds back.
'Tried to recoup the funds'? Sez you. Where's the evidence of such?
You might be right with him maybe not getting the big hit to pay back everything, still, he could try.
Could? Newsflash: No way in hell that he would try. Lying scammers scam and then lie about it.
And 30 years, that's like he murdered someone. Just crazy.
You'll note I did not call for 30 years in my letter. To re-reiterate:
Mr Montroll should be sentenced in line with any other common grifter who preys upon innocent bystanders. Period.