Jason Robert West got a lesson in common cents. The 40-year-old Vernal, Utah, man paid a disputed $25 medical bill with 2,500 pennies. But he wound up having to cough up an extra $140 for the surly way he did it, according to reports.
A judge ruled Thursday that West alarmed the Basin Clinic staff and patients enough to merit a disorderly conduct conviction -- and the fine.
According to testimony reported by KSL-TV, West entered the office in May 2011 and verbally abused the receptionist over the bill and caused worry by apologizing in advance for what he was about to do as he reached into a bag. He then dumped the pennies on the desk. They landed with a thud as loud as a gun shot, scattering on the desk and floor.
Perhaps West could have taken a cue from those who settle up in memorable ways, but still manage to maintain their dignity.
In July, Thomas Daigle of Milford, Mass., made the last mortgage payment on his home with 62,000 pennies and didn't throw a hissy.
Earlier this month, a man paid a $137 traffic ticket with 137 dollar bills folded into origami pigs. Even the cop (pig, get it?) who ticketed him appreciated the effort.
But West's theatrics entertained no one the day he spilled the copper coinage. "I can't understand why a reasonable person would do that," Vernal City Justice Court Judge Ray Richards said.
West has 30 days to decide whether to ask for a new trial, the Deseret News wrote.
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