Maple syrup is a messy business, especially when what you're selling isn't really maple syrup.

A Rhode Island man was sentenced Tuesday in Vermont to two years probation for misleading his customers about what kind of syrup he was actually selling.

Bernard Coleman pleaded guilty Tuesday to substituting cane sugar in a product he labeled as "maple syrup."

In addition to probation, Coleman was ordered to pay a $340 fine.

Last October, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy introduced the MAPLE Act, legislation that would make the fraudulent sale of maple syrup a felony offense.

"We need to make sure that those who intentionally deceive consumers get a trip to jail, not a slap on the wrist," Leahy said in a statement.

The bill is currently under review in the Judiciary Committee.