Despite these future disclosers which would support Rabbi Balkany, on November 10, 2010, Balkany was found guilty of all charges. On February 18, 2011 he was sentenced to four years in prison. Manhattan federal Judge Denise Cote called Balkany's "lack of contrition, remorse and acceptance of responsibility ... profound", but gave out a sentence that was less than the seven-plus years recommended under federal guidelines, citing Balkany's "lifetime of good works" and the "generosity of spirit" attested to in 87 letters of support. But, considering him a flight risk, she ordered him locked up immediately. In March 2012 Balkany appealed his conviction, claiming that he should be allowed to present an entrapment defense. The appeal was rejected and the original conviction upheld by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals.