A North Dakota rancher is accused of illegally selling cattle that were supposed to be collateral for a loan.
Brandon Leingang is charged with felony conversion of mortgaged or pledged property. He has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities say Leingang sold the cattle from his Sioux County ranch for more than $185,000. The cattle were pledged to the Farm Service Agency to secure a federal farm loan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary DeLorme tells KFGO radio that Leingang faces up to five years in prison. A federal public defender could not be reached for comment.
Trial is scheduled for Aug. 1.
