POLSON — A 29-year-old Ronan man has denied charges that allege he deceived two would-be cattle buyers to send him $181,500 to purchase cattle that were never delivered and didn’t exist.
KERR-AM in Polson reports Andrew Jackson pleaded not guilty Thursday to deceptive practices during a hearing in District Court in Polson. District Judge Kim Christopher set a July 27 trial date.
Prosecutors allege Jackson received the money in wire transfers in March and May of 2013. The buyers notified Lake County authorities in December 2013 that they didn’t receive the promised livestock.
Court records say when investigators questioned Jackson, he acknowledged he did not have any cattle to sell and returned about $2,500.
Jackson received a deferred prosecution in 2013 for issuing an $18,000 check that bounced as he paid restitution within three years.