At long last, Dancer trial set to get started

After five continuances delayed the criminal trial for over a year, jury selection will begin Monday for a former Libby businessman accused of swindling residents and embezzling more than $400,000.

William A. Dancer is accused of funneling money from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center, into accounts for his own business and personal property ventures.

As IHC’s local sales manager, Dancer allegedly used checks from six manufactured home buyers to pay for two vehicles, a clothing store and discount store, according to court documents. He is being charged with money laundering and six counts of embezzlement.

The trial is scheduled to last seven days.

If convicted, Dancer could face up to 20 years in prison and $50,000 in fines for the money laundering charge and up to 10 years in prison and $50,000 in fines for each embezzlement charge.