One of the many involved a massive insider trading ring was sentenced yesterday, and U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said of hedge fund co-founder Mark Kurland, "He had a choice as a leader of the financial industry. He could have led by example. Instead, he chose to follow. He became a joiner, surrendering to the spree of the financial market's virtual mob mentality that nearly brought down this country's financial industry in the quest for ever bigger and faster gains." Kurland pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud and will serve two years and three months, plus must forfeit $900,000 he made; he said he was heartbroken and his actions "destroyed my reputation and everything I have worked hard for my entire life."