In September 2017, Kristifer Hutchins, 33, of Standish, was indicted for embezzling $150,000 over the course of three years from Gorham-based business, Southern Maine Firewood, where he worked as the business manager.

Hutchins suggested to the owner of the business, Jake Dyer, that he go paperless and Hutchins took care of the financial end of the business using the office computer. Dyer became suspicious that Hutchins was stealing from him and contacted the Gorham Police Department reporting that Hutchins had spent $1000 on a personal laptop, had bought a workout bench and taken a trip to the Dominican Republic with his wife.

After his arrest, Dyer learned that Hutchins had two previous felony convictions, one on a charge of aggravated criminal mischief (over $2000) and one for aggravated trafficking in drugs and possession of firearms.

Hutchins confessed to the theft and Dyer has been negotiating through the District Attorney’s office for a deal that will mean he can recoup some of his losses. Hutchins has paid $27,000 in restitution and will be serving a six-month jail term. He will be required to pay $600 a month until the entire amount has been paid back.

Dyer anticipates it will be difficult to recoup the remaining money and has liens on both Hutchins’ house and his vehicles, noting that Hutchins had bought a new house, a Cadillac Escalade and a Harley with money he had stolen from the company. Dyer suspects that Hutchins has the money to make restitution but is not choosing to do so.