Watch CBS News

Judge Spares Doughnut Shop Founder Prison, Not Scorn In Tax Case

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A federal judge has spared the founder of a Pittsburgh-based doughnut chain prison time for income tax violations, but not her scorn.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose told Ronald Razete his case wasn't about "accounting issues," but was instead fueled by "lying, cheating and greed."

Ambrose on Thursday nonetheless gave the 55-year-old ordained minister and founder of Peace, Love and Little Donuts five years' probation instead of up to 16 months in prison suggested by federal guidelines.

Razete pleaded guilty in June to underreporting his income in 2010 and then hiding the business from bankruptcy proceedings a year later. He's also repaying more than $40,000 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Ambrose says Razete can continue to employ people and grow his business by staying out of prison.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.