OKLAHOMA CITY – For months Shane Thomas has been locked up, accused of writing hot checks and failing to pay subcontractors.
We’ve also heard from at least 8 customers, all alleging Thomas ripped them off.
Friday, victims took their turn testifying against the contractor in court.
In the end the judge slapped Thomas with a 25 year sentence, 5 years in prison and 20 years on probation.
Plus Thomas must pay more than $120,000 in restitution to his victims.
He assured the judge he will make good on the promises.
Neither Thomas nor his family wanted to talk to us on-camera.
Thomas’ attorney, Robert Groshon Jr., did however offer an explanation on his client’s behalf.
“Shane did not go out with the intent to injure people,” he said. “He went out, got money up front, had financial problems, used the money for other things. He did a lot of jobs that were completed and people aren’t here complaining.”
Victims, like Troy Kinnamon, wonder if they’ll ever see their money.
“He’ll be in prison for many years because he’s not going to hold up to what he says he’s going to do,” Kinnamon said.
It’s likely with good behavior Thomas will only spend a couple years in prison.
Once he gets out he’ll have to keep up with his restitution payments, otherwise the judge says he’ll throw him back behind bars.
