QRU embezzler sentenced

A 29-year-old West Glacier man charged with embezzling money from the Canyon Quick Response Unit was given a six-year deferred sentence after he pleaded no contest to one count of theft by felony common scheme.

According to court records, an independent audit of the Canyon QRU in 2010 revealed that $28,376 was missing from the quick response unit’s funds. The money had been withdrawn as checks and cash between August 2006 and June 2010.

On June 23, 2010, the Canyon QRU board of directors questioned Cody Westgard, the organization’s secretary and treasurer, about the missing money, and he resigned. The day after he resigned, Westgard told the board he had paid back all the missing money.

Westgard faced up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for the felony theft charge. He pleaded no contest to a felony charge of theft and a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct in Flathead County District Court on May 31, 2012.

As part of a plea agreement, the Flathead County Attorney’s Office recommended a three-year deferred sentence.

Flathead County District Court Judge Ted Lympus, however, called Westgard’s actions “inexcusable” and gave him a six-year deferred sentence. He also ordered Westgard to pay $19,342 in restitution and a $1,000 fine with half suspended.