GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—A former Colorado State Patrol trooper has been sentenced to probation and community service after admitting he collected public assistance to which he was not entitled.
Terry Chelius pleaded guilty in early October to a felony charge of attempting to influence a public servant. The plea came as part of a deal with prosecutors in which they agreed to drop felony theft charges and not seek jail time.
The 68-year-old Chelius was sentenced Tuesday in Grand Junction to three years probation and 150 hours of community service to be completed within two years.
Court documents indicate Chelius received $2,400 from the Low-income Energy Assistance Program, $3,500 in medicare benefits and $8,000 worth of food stamps.
Chelius has since paid back the money.
