 Cox faced 42 counts of fraud , in addition to felony charges for fleeing while on probation from a previous conviction . Facing potential prison sentences of over 400 years , he negotiated a plea bargain agreement that gave him a maximum of 54 years , and a $ 2 million fine . On November 16 , federal judge Timothy C. Batten , Sr. sentenced Cox to 26 years in prison . He also ordered Cox to pay $ 5 @.@ 97 million in restitution . He will not be eligible for release until 2029 . 
