Donald Fillers, whose home is on North Crest Road and who acquired $2.4 million in property, continues as a "pauper" as the appeal starts on his conviction in an asbestos case.
Fillers, 64, went into prison on Friday to begin serving a four-year sentence for shoddy treatment of asbestos at the old Standard Coosa Thatcher plant in Ridgedale.
Federal Magistrate Judge Bill Carter said the government at this point does not object to Fillers getting a taxpayer-funded attorney, but reserves the right to seek to later require him to repay the attorney expenses.
Fillers transferred 40 pieces of property to his wife in 2010 while his asbestos case was pending.
Attorney Kyle Headrick had been appointed to represent Fillers on appeal. However, attorney Leslie Cory has now agreed to remain on the case.