State v. Preite

Defendant Frank Preite was convicted of the crimes of grand larceny and grand larceny by bailee in a Workmen’s Compensation prosecution in the district court of Hill County. From the judgment of conviction entered on the jury verdict, defendant appeals.

The tortuous path of this prosecution is necessary to an understanding of this appeal.

On July 31, 1974 defendant was originally charged in the district court of Deer Lodge County with four crimes arising out of workmen’s compensation settlements handled by John L. McKeon. The information specifically charged these crimes:(1) Aiding and abetting…