Sentence reduced in barbecue baron kidnapping trial

Tools

Sentence reduced in barbecue baron kidnapping trial

Story Published: Jul 3, 2009 at 8:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2009 at 9:07 PM EST

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A judge has cut the sentence of a man
who kidnaped a Lowcountry barbecue baron by 13 years.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Circuit Judge
Michelle Childs reduced 52-year-old Charles Priest's sentence from
38 years to 25 years Thursday because a medical evaluation found he
was a low risk to commit another crime if he remained sober.

Authorities say Priest tied his boss Tommy Bessinger Jr. to a
chair and tied what turned out to be a fake bomb to his arm,
demanding $500,000 or he would blow up Bessinger and his family.

The new sentence means Priest will be eligible for parole after
he turns 70.

Michael Bessinger says his brother is worried Priest might seek
revenge if he is ever released.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 


NBC Augusta 26 News brings you straight to the point news, weather, and sports from Augusta and the CSRA. Meet our NBC Augusta 26 News staff!

User Agreement

View comments

The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of NBC Augusta 26| news, weather, sports, community, entertainment, shopping for Augusta, Georgia. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. Comments are posted on site immediately and without station moderation. If you feel a comment is inappropriate you may flag it for review. For guidelines on flagging comments see our Terms & Conditions. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

I have read and agree to the terms

Hide comments

More Good Stuff

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 68.0 °F
Fair
More Weather

WAGT Weather

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

NBC Augusta 26 RSS FeedsNBC Augusta 26 Twitter Feed NBC Augusta 26 Facebook Page NBC Full Shows Online

Viewer Poll

Who do you want to win the World Series?

  • New York Yankees
  • Philadelphia Phillies
  • I don't care