Stephen Brehaut signs his plea while his attorney, Eric Hearn, and sister, Elizabeth Brehaut, look on. (Photo: Walter Geiger)

Brehaut sentenced, avoids prison

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Walter Geiger

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Thursday, August 15. 2013

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The man charged with setting fire to his family's iconic seafood restaurant pleaded guilty in Lamar superior court Thursday.

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#1 Charlie Muise on 08/15/13 at 12:59 PM

What a freakin' travesty. He put people in danger. He put people out of work. He robbed the community of a landmark. He did it for greed. If he doesn't go to jail, why should anyone?

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

#2 red blue on 08/15/13 at 01:50 PM

a lawless county in my opinion

#3 Sandra Bray on 08/15/13 at 02:04 PM

Who's responsible for the clean-up of the building? Is it a code violation?

#4 no name on 08/15/13 at 02:15 PM

What Charlie Said!!!!!!
That is Bull#### Judge Wilson you should be ashamed to call yourself a Judge.

#5 Cats on 08/15/13 at 02:28 PM

Ms. Sherry is a very sweet woman. I suppose she knows that she will never get any restitution for the restaurant and is okay with that.
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?

#5.1 Ken Green on 08/15/13 at 03:33 PM

IF I'm not mistaken, he was working there when he torched it and was a member of the family that owned it.

#6 Julia Heidbrink on 08/15/13 at 03:43 PM

I totally agree with Mr. Muise!!!

Julia

#7 M. C. on 08/15/13 at 08:46 PM

what the hell does this wise women have to do with anything? why would a judge base his decision on her statement anyway? if this is not proof that this is one crooked county run by good old boys then nothing does. judge Wilson you are bu#$%^^& along with that worthless DA.
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.

#7.1 Cats on 08/16/13 at 01:11 PM

Ms. Wise was the owner of The Lighthouse. I understand Brehaut is her nephew.
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?

#7.1.1 M. C. on 08/18/13 at 10:53 AM

Cats, I was going to comment on your statement but, well, I just feel so sorry for you..so very sorry.

#7.1.1.1 Cats on 08/19/13 at 07:42 AM

Aw, now, aren't you just the sweetest thing? I had a feeling you were, as your posts are always so thoughtful and full of sunshine. You have such a kind heart for your fellow man.
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.

#8 Charlie Muise on 08/17/13 at 12:54 AM

Some of you may not have read previous stories:
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

#9 no name on 08/19/13 at 06:59 AM

What is the penalty for being found guilty of insurance fraud?
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

#10 nimrod kirk on 08/20/13 at 07:05 PM

o well he will go to prison before it,s over no not anyone not jesus can do 20 years of felony probation, don,t worry he,s going down

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