WATERLOO, IOWA -- A 64-year-old Cedar Falls man convicted of fraud for staging a bogus charity concert can avoid prison if he pays his fine.
The Associated Press reports Dennis Leahy was sentenced Friday despite showing up for the hearing without a lawyer.
Judge Nathan Callahan went ahead with the delayed sentencing because he said Leahy had ample time to hire a lawyer since a Dec. 17 hearing.
Prosecutors say Leahy tried to collect money in March for a charity concert that didn't exist. He was convicted of a similar crime involving a charity basketball game in 2003.
Callahan ordered Leahy to pay a $2,225 fine with a 35 percent surcharge and pay court costs. If Leahy can't pay the fine, he will have to serve 365 days in jail.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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