No sentence yet for Happy's Pizza founder

DETROIT (AP) — Lawyers for the founder of the Happy’s Pizza chain are asking a judge to consider two years of community service as part of his punishment for tax crimes.

Happy Asker returned to federal court on Monday for his sentence, but no decision was made.

There’s still a dispute over the loss to the government, and the hearing will resume at a later date. An IRS agent testified.

Asker’s lawyers acknowledge that prison time is likely, but they hope Judge Denise Page Hood considers community service as well. They say Detroit Public Schools could benefit from Asker’s skills as an entrepreneur.

He was convicted in November of conspiracy and other crimes in a scheme to conceal millions of dollars in income. Prosecutors are recommending more than 10 years in prison.