Former Kennewick Gym Owner Let Off on Charges

The former owner of a Kennewick gym is no longer facing theft charges and former patrons doubt they will retrieve their money. Jason Ray Sleater, now of Spokane, had been accused of charging an unapproved facilities "enhancement" fee of $19.60 to hundreds of members before he suddenly closed the gym last March, reportedly bilking customers out of thousands of dollars.

Months after 509 Fitness on Colorado Street went dark, customers attempted to recoup their money. Some were able to retrieve it via the third-party billing company utilized by the gym, but others were not.

Sleater's attorney produced documents during his trial earlier this fall reportedly showing fine print on members' contracts that allowed him to take the money, the prosecution argued that was not the original contract they signed.

The case ended up being declared a mistrial by Judge Bruce Spanner Thursday in Benton County Superior Court.