No Prison Time For Obama "Hope" Artist In Federal Contempt Case, Judge Rules

Rejecting a Department of Justice request for prison time, a federal judge spared Shepard Fairey--creator of the Obama “Hope” poster--time in custody during a sentencing hearing this morning.

Judge Frank Maas ordered the 42-year-old artist (seen at right) to serve two years probation, complete 300 hours of community service, and pay a $25,000 fine for a misdemeanor contempt conviction. Fairey pleaded guilty earlier this year to destroying and fabricating documents during a civil lawsuit over the iconic 2008 campaign image.

Fairey delivered a statement in U.S. District Court apologizing for violating the court’s trust in connection with litigation against the Associated Press. He termed his scheming the “worst thing I ever did.”

Fairey, who lives in Los Angeles, was ordered to report to probation officials there within 72 hours. If he completes his community service within a year, his probation term can be discontinued.