The former Arrow Trucking CEO who left hundreds of truck drivers stranded just days before Christmas was sentenced to 7 and a half years behind bars and $21 million worth of restitution.
Pielsticker Apologizes To Arrow Employees
After pleading guilty to 23 charges of conspiracy, bank fraud, and tax fraud, Doug Pielsticker faced up to 10 years in prison. He asked the judge to go easy on him during sentencing, requesting the shortest period of incarceration possible, in part because he claims to have a heart condition that could kill him at any time. Pielsticker also apologized to the former employees of Arrow Trucking before sentencing: “I’m sorry to the people of Arrow that worked for me.”
Judge Sentenced On High Side
The prosecution recommended 6.5 to 8 years in prison for the former CEO, but the judge elected to sentence Pielsticker on the high side of their recommendation. In addition to the 90 months he will spend in prison, he will also endure 3 years of supervised release and will be forced to pay back $21 million in restitution. The judge did admit that Pielsticker does not have the means to pay back his fines.
Is 7 and 1/2 Years Enough?
A former Arrow Trucking employee told reporters that the sentence was not enough. She said that Pielsticker should have to do community service to understand how others live. She also said that she is worried that he will try to start another trucking company under a different name when he is free.
Pielsticker must report to prison by noon on January 7, 2016.
Sources:
Forbes
Fox 23
News on 6
Tulsa World