Couple charged in alleged fraud

A Kalispell couple turned themselves in to authorities Monday on charges that they committed fraud in their construction business.

Amy and Richard Ockey, both 32, were arrested on warrants amid allegations that they defrauded employees, creditors and customers. They operated a construction company called Keystone Contractors until they abruptly shut it down recently and reportedly went to Hawaii. They returned voluntarily.

Amy Ockey is charged with writing felony bad checks amounting to about $151,500 as of Friday. Among them are $38,600 and $39,000 checks to Rocky Mountain Lumber in Hamilton, along with allegedly bad checks to plumbing, electric, drywall, tile and other companies.

The total is more than the $150,000 bond set Monday by Justice of the Peace David Ortley. Ockey said she will ask for a bond hearing to reduce that amount.

Ortley also set an arraignment date of Feb. 10 for Ockey. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.

She told Ortley she has consulted with attorney Sean Hinchey. She has lived for about eight years in the valley and owns property on Stillwater Lane, she said.

During her appearance before Ortley, an Inter Lake photographer snapped her picture.

"Is that really necessary?" Ockey asked.

Her appearance was followed by her husband's. Richard Ockey is charged with two counts of felony theft.

According to court documents, Ockey bought a 2005 Chevy Express van from Eisinger Motors on Oct. 28. He signed an affidavit, saying there were no liens against his 1999 GMC pickup, which was used as a trade-in. The dealer gave Ockey at $9,000 credit for the truck and later found there was a lien of $10,000 against it.

Ockey is also accused of taking about $28,000 from a couple for whom he was building a home. Court documents say that the couple paid Keystone for floor trusses and foundation backfilling that were not delivered or completed. They also allegedly paid Keystone $10,500 for work on their foundation and basement floor performed by Rhino Construction - a subcontractor that was reportedly not paid by Keystone.

If convicted, Ockey faces up to 10 years in prison on each count.

Both Ockeys told Ortley they have no prior felony convictions. They have children who are staying with Richard Ockey's mother in Canada while they are in jail.

The couple has been the subject of both civil and criminal actions filed in connection with Keystone.

Customers say that the Ockeys took their money but did not perform the construction work that was contracted. Some employees said the Ockeys' payroll checks have bounced since mid-December and with the closure of the company, they are unemployed. Subcontractors and suppliers say the Ockeys have not paid them for work that was completed or materials that were provided.