The sentencing of a former member of the Cassville Volunteer Fire Department who stole more than $16,000 from the department was delayed on Thursday.
Judge Susan Tucker ordered the sentencing of David Tennant, for his embezzlement conviction, be rescheduled in two months.
She said she wasn’t happy with some of his answers to her questions and while she wasn’t accusing him of lying some things didn’t fit.
“I’m giving you the best chance I can for you to get probation,” Tucker said.
Tennant made a payment of $5,000 towards the $16,280 restitution he owes at his plea hearing in January but has not made a payment since. He said he thought all the payments were supposed to be lump sum and that he has a few thousand saved up towards that purpose.
Tucker also ordered Tennant bring in what he has saved up by July 10 and tell his attorney, David Grunau, his plan for repaying the rest.
His bond condition was also modified to include a ban on alcohol, a drug and alcohol assessment and following the recommendations after that assessment.
Grunau asked Tennant be given probation because he accepted responsibility for his actions, made the $5,000 payment and plans to pay back the rest and has a minimal criminal history.
Other than this incident, Tennant has been convicted of a DUI and driving while license revoked for DUI.
Tucker asked Tennant at his plea if he had an alcohol problem, to which he said no. On Friday she asked if he saw his DUI as a problem and he said it was a mistake. Tucker said she found it hard to believe it was a one-time thing.
Tennant also admitted he drank three or four beers on Thursday while mowing grass.
Stephen Fitz, assistant prosecutor, said the state’s two main goals were to convict Tennant of a felony and make the fire department whole again. He said the state, the fire department and law enforcement did not oppose probation.
Fitz did ask a status hearing bet set for six months out if probation was granted because Tennant was one of those people that does better with a fire under their feet.
