BENTON, La. — He took their money, their home and their peace of mind.

Today, former contractor Justin Penn stood before a Bossier District Court judge to learn his punishment after taking more than a quarter million dollars from a Haughton family.

Instead of sending Penn to prison for seven years, 26th Judicial Court Judge Michael Craig ordered him to pay restitution of $72,500. Penn pleaded guilty to residential contractor fraud in March.

Two years ago, Lindsey and Nick Peters hired contractor Penn to build their dream home. That did not happen nor was the Peters' money returned. That caused them to lose their dream home and land.

Fast forward to today, when the judge said during court he couldn’t lock up Penn and also require him to repay the Peters.

He also said Penn may owe more

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