PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — A former deck builder is punished for deceiving people out of tens of thousands of dollars over a number of years.
Ross Sherwood, 60, is sentenced to 6-20 years in prison for seven theft by deception or attempted theft charges in Sarpy County District Court. With “Good time” he’ll be eligible for parole in 3 years.
Sherwood took tens of thousands of dollars from home owners and said he would build them a deck. Most of the time none of the work was done, and he gave a lot of excuses for the delays. He even cheated home owners while he was out on bail for doing the same thing.
Sherwood told the judge he let everyone down.
“I deeply regret and am extremely remorseful for my actions that have caused any undue pain suffering and stress or other financial hardships in their lives,” Sherwood explained.
Sherwood hoped to get probation, and pay restitution to all the customers. He’s paid some, but prosecutors say he still owes $56,000 to Sarpy residents.
"You’ve continued to minimize the effects on the victims, you’ve justified your actions throughout these 20 years,” Judge Stefanie Martinez said. “And not once taken responsibility but for today for your actions.”
He was also ordered to pay back all the money to the victims.
