A state appeals court told Spokane Superior Court Judge Michael Price to reconsider a ruling that said a fraud convict could increase restitution if he paid lower rent, and gave up his cell phone, cable TV and tithing.

Prosecutors had asked Price to increase restitution payments for Theodore N. Saroff, who has been paying off $269,000 at the rate of $50 a month. Saroff formerly operated Spokane Auto Sales and pleaded guilty in 2008 to financial fraud.

The Spokesman-Review reports ( http://is.gd/bd7JnS) the judge agreed Saroff could find rent for less than the $1,650 a month he was paying and that he could cut cell phone and cable bills and tithing. Price ruled Saroff should be able to pay $1,250 a month.

The appeals court told the judge Tuesday to reconsider.

---

Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com