Modesto con man’s sentencing postponed

Sentencing for Modesto businessman Tony Huy Havens on a federal fraud conviction will be delayed until March 14.

Havens, 42, pleaded guilty in September to two real estate schemes, one involving home loans in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties in 2006; in the other, he promised golf course and casino developers in eight states a combined $1.1 billion in project financing and collected $241,750 in advance fees, in 2008.

Havens had been convicted in 2003 of impersonating a notary public and in 2008 of swindling $208,000 from Stanislaus victims in yet another fraud scheme. He previously managed the former Sin City nightclub in downtown Modesto and recently moved his electronics store, Emperor Electronics, from the 2700 block of McHenry Avenue to its 4200 block.

Havens’ attorney requested the continuance so they could discuss “sentencing issues” and “to permit his completion of personal business.”

“This is a lengthy continuance,” U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence O’Neill said in a postponement order dated Tuesday, adding that Havens “should expect to go into custody the day of sentencing. No further continuances will be entertained.” He is expected to receive a federal prison term of a few years.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Modesto con man’s sentencing postponed."