Judge Says Ryan Unlikely to Succeed in Appeal

Michael R. Ryan, the Billings, Mont. former Thrifty franchisee convicted in a windshield replacement scam case, must begin serving his prison sentence while he appeals, the Associated Press reports.

U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull has ruled against convicted Ryan's claim that his constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizure was violated, and that Chrysler officials falsely testified about a windshield damage policy.

Ryan was sentenced to nearly six years.