Former Vann’s CFO named co-defendant in conspiracy case

MISSOULA — After refusing a plea agreement, the former chief financial officer of Vann’s Inc. has been named a co-defendant in the federal case against former CEO George Leslie Manlove.

The Missoulian reports that Paul Lyn Nisbet on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to 221 felonies in U.S. District Court, the same charges filed against Manlove. Prosecutors say Nisbet and Manlove conspired to defraud the electronics and appliance chain for their own gain, causing it to file for bankruptcy.

Nisbet had been charged with a single count of conspiracy as part of a plea agreement, but he pleaded not guilty to that charge Jan. 12.

Manlove has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Both Manlove and Nisbet have been released on their own recognizance. A trial has been scheduled for March 21.