Update 1338EST: Milton has been sentenced to four years. 

Disgraced Nikola founder Trevor Milton is having his sentencing hearing today. A jury found Nikola founder Trevor Milton guilty of defrauding investors back in October 2022. 

Inner City Press is doing an incredible job of live Tweeting the sentencing hearing as it is taking place. 

After reportedly going through the perfunctory back-and-forth arguments between the prosecutor and Milton's defense attorneys, Milton spoke on his own behalf in what can only be described as one of the most batsh*t insane and obviously completely exaggerated sob stories ever put forth inside of a courtroom.

As far as Milton's strategy, it seemed to be "throw every single thing possible against the wall and see what - if anything - sticks" type of strategy. He invoked his Cherokee heritage, his wife's Lyme disease, his mother's breast cancer and his LDS faith, among other things.

Speaking on his own behalf while sobbing, here are paraphrased quotes of his speech per the Inner City Press Twitter account. Milton told the judge: "I feel terrible for everyone involved. I had amazing parents. I'd like to give you detailed examples of who I really am. I ask you to open your heart, the Bible says God looks at the heart. Please listen to the end before deciding."

He started by referencing the fact that he is one quarter Cherokee indian and that his ancestors faced ethnic cleansing (we swear we aren't making this up): "As I reflect on my heritage (pulls tissues out of box) Sorry your Honor, I never had to talk about these things before. I am one quarter Cherokee - there was ethnic cleansing against my ancestors."