It is indeed a perplexing decision when to regard someone who for past indiscretions and has paid their "debt to society" to be considered trustworthy.
Fortunately, Professional Sports Authenticators, (PSA), the guardians and protectors of sports hobbyists for corruption, fraud and all other nefarious activities brings clear and concise moral guidance to these issues.
JP Cohen is a PSA Authorized Dealer. According to PSA's rigorous and stringent standards for authorized dealers, one critieria that must be met is that an "Applicant and key employees must not have been convicted of a felony in the past five years".
http://www.psacard.com/about/faq.chtml#faqid71
Can anyone here enlighten me why it's 5 years and not 4 or 6 or 10? What happens at 5 years that makes someone trustworthy beyond reproach?
I do rest at ease recalling Collector Universe president and PSA founder David Hall's famous quote, "We are dedicated to protecting collectibles consumers from fraud and misrepresentation in any form. We also fervently value our brand name. We will continue to work to protect collectors, and our own reputation, zealously."