SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A San Diego contractor who admitted to stealing people’s money and not doing the work was sentenced Wednesday.
Stephen Hage entered the courtroom as a free man, but left in shackles.
Team 10 investigator Adam Racusin exposed the San Diego contractor back in 2018. Late last year, Hage pleaded guilty to three counts of grand theft and two counts of theft from an elder.
Wednesday, he was sentenced to one year in custody on the charges.
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While he was waiting for sentencing on the charges, a San Diegan now living in Arizona says that hasn’t stopped Hage from working.
The man says Hage took his money and didn’t finish the job. The accusations brought up in court today.
Prosecutors say total restitution to Hage’s 22 San Diego victims is about $70,000. Wednesday, he brought in a check that’s not even close. “To come to court with $5,700 after numerous months really isn’t sufficient.”
The defense arguing he’s doing the best he can. “He’s not taking money from people and living this life of luxury, he’s barley getting by. He has four children he’s taking care of and providing for.”
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The judge ordered Hage to one year in custody. After 30 days, Hage will be released to work furlough so he can earn money to pay back his victims.
It will be up to Yuma County, Arizona whether or not to press charges there. Hage has a review hearing to check on his progress in San Diego in August.
