Former ag association treasurer to serve jail time for $50,000 theft

WILLMAR, Minn. -- Before he was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail, the former treasurer of the West Central Ag Sales Association apologized to the judge for swindling the group out of $50,000.

“My intent was to pay it back,” said Robert Craig Starz, 66, who pleaded guilty in June to felony theft by swindle in Kandiyohi County District Court. “I’m making every effort to pay it as fast as I can.”

Per the plea agreement, he brought an envelope containing $15,000 to the sentencing, much of it in cash. The money is the first part of the $49,803 he has been ordered to pay in restitution.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4081922-former-ag-association-treasurer-serve-jail-time-50000-theft