BEAUMONT, Texas — The brother of a Beaumont restaurant owner convicted of "food stamp fraud" has rejected a plea deal.
Larry Coleman, brother of Johnny Coleman, who was already found guilty in the case, appeared before Judge Raquel West on Monday, June 7, 2021.
Prosecutors offered him a 13-year sentence but he rejected the plea deal.
Larry Coleman has two previous convictions of theft and one previous conviction of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Due to his previous conviction, he will face a stiffer penalty if he is found guilty during a trial.
His case will be set at a future date.
Larry Coleman was charged with illegal possession of EBT benefits and District Attorney Bob Wortham says he played a big role in securing the cash.
Wortham said Larry Coleman's role in the plot was convincing people to turn over their benefits in exchange for cash.
He was arrested in 2019.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.