Man convicted of lobster truck scam sentenced

PROVIDENCE -- A man convicted of scamming nearly three dozen people with a bogus story about a broken-down lobster truck has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

John Kluth apologized to his victims Wednesday afternoon as he was sentenced in Providence Superior Court. He also was ordered to repay nearly $12,000 to 27 people.

Prosecutors said Kluth collected sums ranging from $25 to $5,200 by telling people he needed money to repair a broken-down lobster truck.

He was convicted in March of 30 of 31 counts of obtaining money under false pretenses.

Superior Court Judge Netti Vogel said Kluth would not be eligible for parole for 14 years.