Scrap-iron thief has to pay back $60,000

A Kalispell man who stole scrap iron from his employer will have to pay almost $60,000 in restitution.

Douglas LeDoux, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony theft by embezzlement for the iron theft as well as unauthorized charges on a company credit card.

LeDoux was given an eight-year suspended sentence with the Montana Department of Corrections. 

LeDoux also was ordered to pay restitution of $59,348.76. 

The court allowed LeDoux to pay the restitution from his 401(k) retirement account. LeDoux  also was ordered to stay at least 1,500 feet away from his former employer, Montana Helico Pier. 

Court documents state that LeDoux took a company truck and trailer, loaded it with scrap iron and drove it to Pacific Steel & Recycling to try and sell the iron. 

Law officers located him there, where LeDoux admitted being a drug user.