PBS Host Gets 10-Year Sentence for Falsifying Film Tax Credits

A horse trainer who produced and hosted a PBS series, “Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse,” has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on fraud charges for claiming over $9 million in film tax credits from the state of Iowa, much of which was spent on gambling.

Brouse, 61, had been convicted in March of fraud, but jurors acquitted him of charges of theft and participating in ongoing criminal conduct, accor

ding to the Des Moines Register. District Judge Scott Rosenberg sentenced him to a 10-year prison term Thursday, but set a cash bond of $25,000. Prosecutors said that Brouse made false statements to an investigator when he denied that he had ever gambled, filed for bankruptcy or had his wages garnished.

Brouse claimed $.9.27 million in film tax credits from Iowa, but spent much of the money on new cars, a ranch and gambling. After his production expenses were paid, he made $3.1 million, part of which he split with his accountant, who is facing five felony charges, but has pleaded not guilty.

Iowa suspended its scandal-plagued film tax credit program in 2009 after other examples of abuse came to light. Brouse is the seventh person convicted so far, including the former head of the state’s film tax credit office (see Moviemakers Charged with Stealing Film Tax Credits).

Brouse’s horse training series ran on 170 stations at one point, but was only available on one station at the time he was convicted.