San Diego

A Santee man who masterminded a murder-for-hire conspiracy and later testified against his father was sentenced Monday to 13 years in prison for his role in the crime.

Robert Brian Boeckman, 30, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Judith Keep, who could have imposed a 20-year term.

Boeckman testified against his father, Robert George Boeckman, 58, of Kingfisher, Okla., who was convicted Feb. 2 of arranging the shooting of attorney Robert Barr III, 48, of Dover, Okla., who had sued both of them.

Barr, a former Oklahoma state legislator, was hit by a shotgun blast while in his bedroom. He survived and testified against the father.

In another courtroom Monday, the son was also sentenced to five years in prison for an unrelated mail fraud conviction and ordered to pay $30,000 restitution.

Keep ordered the five-year term imposed by U.S. Judge William Enright to run concurrently with the 13 years for the murder-for-hire conspiracy. She allowed the son to remain free until April 11, when he is to begin his sentence.

Robert Brian Boeckman’s attorney, Kenneth McMullan, described him as “a pawn of his father.”

“If the father hadn’t been the moving force, Robert Brian Boeckman would never have gotten involved,” McMullan said. “He’s not a bright individual. He’s not a person to concoct schemes.”

McMullan said the son hired Vernon James, 35, of San Diego, to kill Barr only after “repeated hounding” by his father.

Barr had sued both Boeckmans for $1.7 million stemming from debts the men allegedly owed him from Tucson Oil & Gas, which went into bankruptcy. The suit was filed in April, 1985, and Barr was shot Aug. 7 of that year.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Patrick Coughlin recommended a 12-year term, while the son’s attorney suggested a 7- or 8-year sentence.

In the mail fraud case, Robert Brian Boeckman placed advertisements in newspapers across the country and had readers send in $10 for loan information. Boeckman sent them a brochure from a pawn broker in New York. He also pleaded guilty to collecting rent payments from tenants on properties he didn’t own.

Enright, the sentencing judge for the mail fraud, told Boeckman: “You violated so many confidences. You are the epitome of the flimflam man.”

Last week, James, the gunman, was sentenced by Keep to 15 years in prison.

Two other men face sentencing in March for their roles; Robert George Boeckman will be sentenced March 28.