A contractor from Wynantskill who admitted to taking money from a Guilderland doctor’s office and not doing the work, was sentenced on Wednesday.

Contractor John Weigel, also known as Quent Weigel of Preston Development, was sentenced to five years probation by Judge William Little in Albany County Court. He must pay restitution to his victims, as part of a plea agreement.

“Based on the totality of the circumstances, we’re trying to make the victims as whole as possible. The People would be asking the court to go forward with the sentence that was agreed upon,” said Albany County Assistant District Attorney Beven Nedumthakady.

Dr. Jose David gave a victim impact statement in court.

Weigel failed to do the work he was paid for at Dr. David’s independent family medicine practice in Guilderland. Prosecutors say he did the same to two other clients, and also failed to pay subcontractors.

Then Weigel had a chance to speak.

“Mr. Weigel, do you wish to be heard before the court imposes sentence?” the judge asked.
“I would like to say I’m sorry for my actions,” replied Weigel.

It was an apology for a betrayal that still stings.

“I feel like we knew him not only professionally, but personally and for him to do that to us, I don’t know how heartfelt that apology really was,” said Jennifer Martin, Dr. David’s practice administrator.

Judge Little said his sentence of restitution, not prison time here, was only because he felt that was in the best interests of the victims.

“It’s not because I think it’s the most appropriate plea, in the sense of what you deserve, but I think it’s most appropriate for what they deserve in this case, and that’s the reason why– that’s the only reason why I’m going forward with the plea here today,” he said.

Dr. David says his practice lost about $60,000.

“Nice to hear that the judge, Judge Little, was really– I think he wanted him to go to prison,” said the doctor. “But this alternative plan of making him make restitution for the next five years is probably better so we can get our money back.”

The prosecutor said there are two other victims who are also receiving restitution.