A Maddock, N.D., businessman accused of defrauding customers of more than $192,000 pleaded not guilty in Benson County District Court on Monday.
Michael Jelle sold grain dryers and parts as the "Dryer Guy" in Maddock. He allegedly failed to deliver goods to five customers who wrote him checks ranging from $12,000 to $50,000.
According to a criminal complaint, the thefts occurred between January and March 2011.
In November, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order against Jelle, prohibiting him from doing business in the state.
Benson County State's Attorney Jim Wang said the attorney general's office is allowing Jelle to sell some business assets to raise money, but it would be monitored by the state.
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Each of the theft of property charges against Jelle are Class B felonies, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
