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Houston man gets 2 1/2-year sentence in hot tub scam

HOUSTON — Prosecutors say a Houston man has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for defrauding eBay customers who bought hot tubs that were never built.

U.S. Attorney Jose Angel Moreno said the punishment given Wednesday to 48-year-old Steve Todd Lanni included three years of supervised release after prison and restitution totaling more than $190,000.

Lanni pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December after authorities accused the Factory Direct Spas owner of demanding full payment up front from the highest bidders on hot tub orders, then spending the money on trips and expensive meals.

Authorities say Lanni duped customers in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

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