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Actually, under the federal sentencing guidelines, if found guilty he will be sentenced based upon "intended loss" [1] - which is this case is somewhere around $15 billion. That would easily qualify him for the maximum sentence. The loss table [2] actually maxes out at $400 million.

[1] "...loss is the greater of actual loss or intended loss" - see [2]

[2] http://www.ussc.gov/guidelines-manual/2013/2013-2b11

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That document only determines sentencing level, not years. You need to also reference the criminal history calculation and finally the actual sentencing guideline.

http://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/training/annual-...

http://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/guidelines-manua...

I'm well aware of how it works....I didn't say that points=years. First, 36 points (the amount he will likely have - 30+6) gives him a recommended range (if he has no criminal history) of 188-235 months. I only said that he is off the charts in terms of loss. Second, guidelines are exactly that - guidelines. A judge could easily look at his conduct and say "this is the most I've ever seen for an intended loss; therefore the statutory maximum (40 years) is warranted".

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