Popular Fisherman Found Guilty On Theft Charges

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- A popular pro fisherman known for his religious values has been found guilty of theft in what prosecutors painted as a series of shady real estate deals.

Robbie Shane Sowash was found guilty of all six charges against him during a bench trail that ended Friday.

He faced five counts of theft by conversion and one count of theft by deception.

Sowash, whom prosecutors noted was well known for pronouncements of his Christian faith and who would often lead public prayers at fishing tournaments on Lake Lanier and elsewhere, had begun investing in hunting properties in Kentucky in 2006 and 2007.

Prosecutors say he "was very thinly spread out over these business ventures, with very risky financial arrangements."

"To prop up his failing companies, he turned to those who trusted him to finance his losses and to keep up his lavish lifestyle," the Gwinnett County District Attorney's office said in a news release.

Evidence at trial showed that, in September 2008, Sowash approached Julie Grant and Perry Duvall to seek an investment in his hunting properties. 

Duvall, who had known Sowash for 20 years and had him as his best man at his wedding, was quickly convinced, prosecutors said, when Sowash guaranteed his return plus a huge profit in no time.

But by that time, prosecutors said, Sowash had already scammed two other fishermen, Trent Gober and Jody Cordell, for over $230,000.

In October 2008, he also duped Bo Phillips, a retiree in his 70's, into investing $75,000 with him, using false promises of how quickly he'd make his money back.

Duvall made attempts to get his money back and, ultimately, sued Sowash in civil court. Prosecutors say that during the civil trial, Sowash called Duvall's attorney and told him he'd already spent all the money and that the Duvalls were "too stupid" to take care of their money.

The $52,500 the Duvalls invested with Sowash was never returned.

A Florida couple, Lawrence and Kay Edwards, also contacted Sowash wanting to own a hunting property. Quoting the Bible and telling them "he was a Christian preacher who saw visions and spirits," Sowash took $42,000 from them.

"During the trial, the evidence showed that the defendant had no intention of returning any of these monies and that the funds were placed in very risky and speculative situations, which were very opposite of what he had promised," the DA's office news release said. "Sowash also admitted on cross-examination that his accounting method always involved paying off himself first and then chalked off investment money from others as business losses."

Judge Kathryn Schraeder found Sowash guilty after the four-day trial. Sowash was taken into custody upon the ruling. Sentencing will be determined at a later time.