County fixes target of theft scheme

The Canyon Quick Response Unit, not the Three Rivers Emergency Medical Service, was the apparent victim of an embezzling scheme.

Charging documents filed by the Flathead County Attorney’s Office originally said the money was embezzled from Three Rivers, but that information has been corrected.

Cody Westgard, 27, is accused of embezzling more than $28,000 from the Canyon Quick Response Unit.

Westgard resigned as treasurer/secretary in June after members of the agency’s board of directors questioned him about the missing money.

Westgard, who was released from the county jail Wednesday, subsequently paid the money back to the Canyon Quick Response Unit, according to the county attorney’s office.

He has been charged with official misconduct and felony theft.

The theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $50,000. Misdemeanor official conduct is punishable by up to six months in jail.