FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


September 11, 2007

Fraudulent Contractor Sentenced to 25 years prison

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the sentencing, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Steven Jarrett Palmer, to 25 years in prison for Grand Theft over $100,000 and Contracting without a License during a State of Emergency.

Palmer, WM, 12-6-1973, 123 Sea Oats Way, Panama City Beach, was convicted, after a two-day trial, of defrauding a local woman out of $600,000.00. Restitution was set at that amount. Palmer was also ordered to pay for the services of an expert witness used by the state in the prosecution.

Florida law requires an inmate to serve at least 85 per cent of his sentence.

"We will continue to take a hard line against fraud in all its forms; regardless of the amount taken," said Meadows. "I hope that word of this sentence will make others think twice before committing the same crimes."