GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming court officials have sentenced a man four to eight years in prison after he spent more than $230,000 belonging to a rancher he considered family.
The Gillette News Record reported Wednesday that 52-year-old Harvey Bethea pleaded guilty in August to exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Officials say Bethea was also sentenced Tuesday to 10 years of probation, fined more than $3,000 and required to pay back the money.
Authorities say Bethea spent $231,255 belonging to Donny York, who is in his 80s.
Authorities say Bethea was accused of using the money to pay for livestock never purchased, a laptop, medical bills and a fur coat between April 2016 and April 2017.
His attorney Nick Carter asked for probation saying Bethea has health issues and no criminal record.