A now-former Wisconsin cheese company owner is accused of stealing from farmers, WAOW News reports.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Michael Moran, a former owner of Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company, has been charged with felony theft from more than 80 farmers.
“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are in the midst of a crisis,” Attorney General Kaul told WAOW News. “It’s particularly galling that theft alleged in this case resulted in money being stolen from milk producers during such a difficult time.”
According to a release by the DOJ, Moran forged names of farmers on underpayment checks and converted the funds for his own use.
Officials tell WAOW News that around 83 milk producers have been the victim of the scheme with a total loss of $21,250. About one-quarter of the victims are older than 60.