'Bishop' Gets 37 Years In Prison For His 'Reign of Terror'

John P. Tomkins, also known as “The Bishop”, was sentenced to 37 years in prison Tuesday, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Tomkins was taken into custody after he mailed packages filled with dud pipebombs, accompanied by letters signed “The Bishop,” in an effort to boost the value of shares he owned.

Within the hour prior to the ruling, Judge Robert Dow commended Tomkins for owning up to his actions but said he “engaged in a reign of terror” when he mailed his packages to investment firms and advisers.

"'Horrific' is the single best word I've heard to describe this crime," Dow said. "'Terrifying' is another good word."

After jurors convicted him in 2012 on 12 counts—among which was using a destructive device while mailing threatening communications—Tompkins was facing more than 200 years in prison.

The mandatory minimum sentence for Tomkins’ crimes is 30 years. Prosecutors were asking for 45 years. Tomkins has already served six years. Therefore, counting those years, and time off for good behavior, the 48-year old could be out by his mid-70s.

Gary Shapiro, acting U.S. attorney in Chicago, approved of the Tomkins’ sentence.

"Tomkins took these terrifying and secretive actions because he was greedy," he said. "He was indifferent to whether he killed people in the process."

Francis Lipuma, Tompkins’ lawyer, said he would appeal the ruling but also acknowledged the sentencing could have gone much worse.

"He's a family man and a man who was respected in his community," Lipuma added. He said the judge took this into consideration when he decided to not impose a stricter sentence.