Thirteen times Champions Tour winner, Jim Thorpe, is slated to be released, later this week, from a minimum-security federal prison camp located on Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.
Back in September 2009, Mr. Thorpe pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to pay income taxes. Each charge carried a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $25,000.00 fine and a year in prison.
In January 2010, he was sentenced to one year in prison, two years of supervised release and 200 hours of community service and to remand himself into custody no later than April 2010. He was also ordered to to pay the $2 million in back taxes as well as applicable interest and fines.
“Barring complications,” long time friend and agent Mike Lewis said, “Thorpe is scheduled for a Jan. 26 release from the minimum-security prison.”
The Heathrow pro’s first stop would be a half-way house in Orlando and then home to serve out his term.
“When I talked to him,” Lewis said, “he said he’s getting very anxious and looking forward to getting this behind him and moving forward.”
In time, Thorpe also will be able to return to his old job. His February 2010 Champions Tour suspension is set to expire March 31, 2011. After the suspension is lifted, Thorpe has been given the green light from tour officials to participate in any events that followed.
“He can start playing as soon as he gets out,” tour liaison Mark Williams said Wednesday.
“I know he’s excited and looking forward to getting back,” said Keith Wilkins, Thorpe’s pastor at Crossings Community Church. “He’s acknowledged his mistake. He’s a good man and good for the tour.”
Thorpe has received several “encouraging letters” from Champions pros, Lewis said. This past weekend brought an invitation from Dana Quigley to be his partner at the Legends of Golf team event that once was the forerunner to the Champions Tour.
What do you think will be Jim Thorpe’s first post-incarceration event?