Dancer awaits trial for embezzlement and money laundering

A 2005 Libby mayoral candidate and businessman accused of money laundering and embezzlement is back in Spokane after posting $50,000 and will return for trial late this fall.

William A. Dancer, 51, faces five counts of theft by embezzlement two counts of money laundering. Each felony count carries a possible punishment of 10 years in jail and a $50,000 fine.Dancer turned himself in to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on July 18 and posted bond on July 23, according to court documents.

The charges stem from Dancer's work at the Idaho-based Independence Home Center, where he was the company's local sales manager. He's accused of funneling money from his work there into accounts for personal and other small business use.

An omnibus hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 22 when the defense and prosecution will lay down deadlines for the parties to file certain motions."It's just a way to move things forward," said Deputy County Prosecutor Grant Gibson.Dancer owned the now-defunct Smart Bucks Dollar Store, Myra's Attic clothing shop, River Country Journal and Fun Facts, a pop-trivia publication.