Stephen Brehaut signs his plea while his attorney, Eric Hearn, and sister, Elizabeth Brehaut, look on. (Photo: Walter Geiger)
Brehaut sentenced, avoids prison
The man charged with setting fire to his family's iconic seafood restaurant pleaded guilty in Lamar superior court Thursday.
Judge Wilson, you have betrayed our county. The fact that someone - a relative, no less - asked for this is NOT a reasonable excuse for failing to do your duty. Did you ask the rest of the county for their opinions, too? Or do you regularly cede your authority as a judge to other equally biased people? You have made a detractor, Sir.
Charlie Muise
That is Bull#### Judge Wilson you should be ashamed to call yourself a Judge.
But I sure hope he pays those other creditors including the fire dept. and city of Milner.. So what does this fellow do? Does he have a job or will he freeload off his family?
Julia
I guess we know now why Donna Johnson and Ann Morgan could never get any justice.its all in who you know and what your name is.
If she isn't seeking blood for the crime to HER property, I'm sure the judge takes that into consideration.
Since I don't understand all the relationships in this county, nor do I want to, I can't really comment on whether there is some sort of "good old boys" type of conspiracy.
So, this particular verdict is behind us. What's next?
Don't you worry about me none, M.C. Somehow I manage to get myself up and dressed and show up to my job most days.
1) The arsonist is related to Mrs Wise.
2) I believe the arsonist owned 1/4 of the business he destroyed
3) I believe that Mrs. Wise will get some of the insurance money for the part that she owned, which I have heard is 50%
Other facts relevant to some of the less-well-informed comments here: this did NOT just hurt Mrs. Wise's business. It cost the county thousands of dollars in water, fuel and other costs for controlling the fire. It put many firefighters from many departments in harm's way. It put people out of work. Her opinion is not the one that matters here.
He belongs in prison in any reasonable way of looking at this situation.
Charlie Muise
In most of its forms, insurance fraud is a felony. When caught, prosecuted and found guilty, most fraud perpetrators are required to make restitution and jail time is also commonly imposed. (Except I guess in Lamar County)
What is the most common types of fraud cases?
Arson for profit