U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real sentenced former Hollywood producer Joseph Medawar to a year and a day in prison for bilking millions from people who thought they were investing in a TV series about the Department of Homeland Security.

The sentence was far less than the six years sought by the government -- it was even less than the 33 months his attorney asked for. But this isn't the first time the 82-year-old judge has displayed questionable judgement.

"Real, 82, has been a lightning rod for criticism, with a reputation for a peremptory and even cantankerous temperament on the bench. Most recently, he was the subject of a congressional subcommittee hearing considering possible impeachment over his decision to seize a bankruptcy case from another judge."