I’ve got great news for fans of below-average BBQ!
Despite a jury of his peers finding him guilty of defrauding the state and recommending 10 years in prison, Oklahoma County District Judge Cindy Truong handed slow-smoked BBQ swindler Brent Swadley a sweetheart suspended sentence Thursday that will let the convicted fraudster avoid prison time.
Here are the basic details via The Oklahoman:
Brent Swadley has been sentenced to six years on probation with credit for time served for fraud crimes involving his renovation and operation of restaurants at state parks during the pandemic.
The Oklahoma restaurateur was fined $50,000 and was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to the state. He also must perform 160 hours of community service.
Oklahoma County District Judge Cindy Truong announced his punishment and restitution on Thursday after hearing legal arguments and testimony over two days.
Really? That’s it?!
I thought Swadley would at least have to go to prison before Kevin Stitt figured out a way to help him out. Instead, his grand punishment is probation, 160 hours of community service and a repayment plan? That sounds about as much like justice as Swadley’s sounds like good barbecue!