Maddock, ND, Businessman Accused of Bilking Over $160K From Customers

MADDOCK, ND (WDAZ-TV) - A Maddock business owner is accused of taking checks for equipment but not delivering the equipment nor returning the money.

Mike Jelle, owner of The Dryer Guy in Maddock, is charged with five counts of theft of property, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine on each of the charges.

Jelle allegedly took over $160,000 dollars from five different parties from January to April this year.

According to a criminal complaint, Jelle took checks to support purchase agreements, but didn't deliver the equipment ordered and didn't return the money.

According to the complaint, Jelle took checks in the following amounts:

February 18 - $12,000

March 16 - $50,000

January 10 - $41,000

February 2 - $21,191

April - $20,000

March 22 - $23,552

A bench warrant was issued for Jelle on September 2 and he posted $20,000 bond on September 8, according to the North Dakota Court website.

"The Dryer Guy" is one of the largest grain dryer dealers in the country, according to its website. Jelle has sold and serviced Farm Fans since 1977.

Jelle has two previous convictions for issuing a check without sufficient funds, a Class B misdemeanor.

The case will be seen by Judge Donovan Foughty. Jelle has not yet retained an attorney.

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