Thief granted early release from probation

A West Glacier man sentenced in 2013 for embezzling money from a medical response unit was granted early release from probation on Thursday.

Cody Westgard, 32, was released from his deferred sentence by Flathead District Judge Robert Allison, against the wishes of prosecutor Travis Ahner.

Westgard had served three years of a six-year deferred sentence handed down in 2013 for stealing approximately $20,000 from Three Rivers Quick Response Unit. In that time he has made full restitution.

“He’s been a model probationer,” attorney Tim Wenz said. “There’s really no reason for him to be on probation at this point.”

Ahner said he was worried that without having to report to a probation officer, Westgard might be able to get around telling future employers about his past. Once a deferred sentence is completed, the felony conviction disappears from a person’s record.

“I would hate to see another business suffer a 20-grand loss,” Ahner said.

Wenz pointed out that Westgard works for his father, who knows about the prior crime.

Westgard is also an emergency medical technician, Wenz said.

Allison said that the early and rapid repayment of restitution was significant, though he warned Westgard never to end up in court again.

“Mr. Westgard, you don’t want to come back to court for another embezzlement, another theft, or any felony for that matter,” Allison said.

If Westgard did end up back in court, sentencing would be severe, Allison warned.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.