By: Dennis and Kathi Brown Posted at: 06/30/2012 10:35 AM
HOT SPRINGS, South Dakota (AP) - A contractor who cheated people who lost homes in a 2007 fire in South Dakota's southern Black Hills has been ordered to pay more than $154,000 in restitution.
Robert Wright pleaded guilty to four counts of grand theft for his actions after the Alabaugh fire.
Circuit Judge Wally Eklund sentenced Wright to 40 years in prison, but suspended the prison time on condition that Wright pay the restitution.
Fall River County State's Attorney Jim Sword says two families hired Wright to rebuild their homes. The prosecutor says Wright was paid, but he failed to pay subcontractors. Those subcontractors later filed mechanic's liens against the properties.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
