Robert D. Schappell Jr. is headed to state prison after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court for bilking an automobile dealer out of more than $200,000 and passing a bad check to another man.
“You’re a con man. That’s all you’ve ever been. Just look at your record,” President Judge William E. Baldwin told Schappell, 44, of Schuylkill Haven, before sentencing him to serve six to 12 years in a state correctional institution.
Baldwin also sentenced Schappell to pay costs and $226,050 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.
Schappell had pleaded guilty on March 24 to 21 counts each of theft and theft by deception, and one of bad checks in a second case. Prosecutors withdrew 21 counts of receiving stolen property.
Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Schappell, formerly of Deer Lake and Pottsville, with taking $202,500 from Bruce Stidham, owner of Bruce’s Auto Mall in the borough, in exchange for Corvettes and other vehicles. Schappell did not provide Stidham with any vehicles, nor did he refund any money to him, police said.
In the other case, state police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Schappell passed a bad check for $24,000 on Nov. 1, 2013.
Schappell had asked Baldwin to allow him to remain out of prison, or at least on work release, so he could pay back the money he owes.
“I’ve been working with my friend,” Schappell told Baldwin. “I want to pay the victims back. I would do anything to change the past. I swear I’ll pay back as much as I can.”
That friend, Jason McClure, testified Schappell always shows up when he needs him to work, usually four or five days a week.
“I’d still employ him” if Schappell would be available to work, McClure testified.
However, Baldwin remained unimpressed by any of Schappell’s promises.
“I don’t believe very much of anything you say to me,” the judge told Schappell.
Baldwin also emphasized the magnitude of the loss Stidham suffered.
“Do you know the impact that has on somebody’s life?” he asked Schappell.
Claude A.L. Shields, Pottsville, Schappell’s lawyer, declined to comment on the case after the hearing, while District Attorney Christine A. Holman was unavailable for comment on it.
Defendant: Robert D. Schappell Jr.
Age: 44
Residence: Schuylkill Haven
Crimes committed: 21 counts each of theft and theft by deception
Prison sentence: Six to 12 years in a state correctional institution