CLEVELAND (AP) The son and ex-daughter-in-law of late black golf pioneer Charlie Sifford have been sentenced to 21/2 years in prison for stealing from his estate.
Cleveland.com reports a judge in Cleveland indicated Thursday that Craig Sifford and his ex-wife, Sandra, will be eligible for release sooner. The pair had pleaded guilty last month to stealing $315,000.
Their attorney had pushed for probation instead of prison time, but a judge concluded that wasn’t a viable option because of how much money was stolen.
The theft was under investigation when Charlie Sifford died in February at 92. Authorities had received a complaint saying Craig Sifford was abusing a power of attorney for his father.
Charlie Sifford became the first black golfer to earn full-time playing privileges on the PGA Tour in 1961.
