A contrite Ty Warner escaped prison time when he went before a federal judge on Jan. 14 after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion charges and paying a huge fine.

The Beanie Babies magnate will serve probation and provide community service, a move that disappointed federal prosecutors who wanted to see him in a different sort of pinstripes.

But for the region where he owns two signature hotels, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore and San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, as well as several golf courses, having Warner focused on his business and not his next meal might actually be a plus.

Meanwhile, the ultimate verdict will be rendered in the history books. It will be up to Warner himself to redeem what is now a damaged, if spectacularly successful, career.