---

Ridgeview rancher must repay $357K federal loan

PIERRE, S.D. (AP)--A Ridgeview rancher will avoid prison time but must repay more than $357,000 for feeding his livestock hay that was put up as security for federal loans.

James Petersen earlier pleaded guilty in federal court in Pierre to two counts of conversion of mortgaged property from the Farm Service Agency.

He was sentenced to one year probation, $350 in fines and fees, and the restitution, which includes interest.

His wife, Donna Petersen, was charged with making a false statement to the Department of Interior in her applications for pasture authorization to run cattle on several Cheyenne River Sioux tribal range units.

According to a court document, she has agreed to pay nearly $20,000 in restitution to the tribe.

Web hpj.com Copyright/Privacy Copyright 1995-2013.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com