Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Ex-Dean Foods chairman gets 2 years in prison in fraud case

NEW YORK — A former Dean Foods chairman who admitted feeding inside information to an influential Las Vegas gambler has been sentenced in New York to two years in prison.

A federal judge imposed the sentence on Thomas Davis, of Dallas, Texas Thursday.

Judge P. Kevin Castel acknowledged Davis was a pivotal cooperator who testified at trial against gambler William "Billy" Walters. Golfer Phil Mickelson had to repay $1 million in stock profits after receiving a tip from Walters. He wasn't charged.

Castel also criticized Davis for lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission and going on a gambling junket after pleading guilty.

Walters was convicted last spring of making over $40 million through illegal trading. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Castel ordered Davis to surrender Jan. 9.

Davis apologized.