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'Salesman' In Scheme To Rip Off Comcast Corp. Gets Probation

By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- One of the key players in a scam that ripped off Comcast of nearly $2.5 million in just one year was sentenced today in Montgomery County for his role in the crime.

Prosecutors call Nicholas Caputo the lead salesman in a complex criminal enterprise that infiltrated the Comcast computer system to lower the bills of nearly 6,000 customers.

Today, the 32-year-old man was sentenced to five years' probation along with community service, and he was ordered to pay back $10,000.

Prosecutor Jeremy Lupo says they were hoping for jail time:

"The judge ruled, based on who he was as a person, his background, his employment history, and where he is in his life now that she did not think it was appropriate to send him to jail at this point."

Lupo says Caputo actively sought out customers who would pay an upfront fee to have their monthly bills slashed with promo codes, and oversaw a network of runners who were also looking for account holders.

Caputo apologized in court and says he takes responsibility for his actions.

The accused ringleader of the scheme pleaded guilty earlier this month (see related story).

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