Suspect denies $43,000 lumber theft

A 49-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of theft.

James Jumper is alleged to have stolen nearly $43,000 worth of lumber from Rocky Mountain Lumber while employed by the company.

According to a court document, a purchasing manager was ordered to inventory the company’s supplies after the amount on the lot was not matching up with what had been purchased and was being sold at the store.

The manager discovered a large amount of building materials were unaccounted for and later reportedly overheard Jumper and another employee talking about a building project at Jumper’s home.

He then went to Jumper’s house and allegedly discovered a large amount of lumber still wrapped in Rocky Mountain Lumber wrapping.

The document went on to allege that the manager confronted Jumper, who asked about returning the lumber, which the manager agreed to give him one week to do.

A detective later went to Jumper’s house, at which point Jumper allegedly said he had purchased the lumber from two other companies. Jumper then allegedly provided receipts that did not match up with the lumber.

If convicted, Jumper faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $50,000.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.