LAKE HAVASU CITY – Judge Doug Camacho has rejected the sentencing limitations of a plea agreement entered on behalf of the man who ripped off customers at the marine and motor sports business he formerly operated in Lake Havasu City. Steve Leprohon, 32, previously pleaded guilty to a single count of fraud for failing to complete jobs when customers paid up front for boat repairs.
Attorneys presenting the plea deal to the Court stipulated that Leprohon could be given no more than 90 days jail and seven years’ probation and be required to pay at least $215,000 in restitution. The defendant told Judge Camacho Wednesday that he intends to sell his half-million-dollar home to generate revenue to help make his victims whole.
“Honestly, my goal is to have this paid off this year,” Leprohon said.
Judge Camacho expressed skepticism given Leprohon’s pre-sentence report indication that he would only be able to pay about $500 a month in restitution. Camacho said that would total only 42,000 over the seven-year probation period, no matter Leprohon’s net gain from home sale.
Camacho noted several boat repair scam victims expressed various concerns about the plea agreement and perception of its leniency.
“I don’t believe probation and 90 days jail is appropriate, so I am rejecting the sentencing limitations of the plea agreement,” Camacho said.
Leprohon subsequently withdrew from the plea agreement and requested a change of judge to move his case into another Court Division.
Dave Hawkins
