SOUTHFIELD, Mich. A Russian judge sentenced a Novi man accused of being a spy to 16 years in a forced labor camp. The sentencing was expected, but thats little comfort to the family of Paul Whelan as they work to navigate the next steps toward getting him back home. The Whelan family said the one silver lining to Mondays sentencing is that the diplomats can now move in and negotiate their loved ones release. His brother, David Whelan, said this was a necessary formality. It is what it is, David Whelan said.