Cross sentenced to two years in prison for wire fraud

John L. Cross of Polson was sentenced to two years in federal custody after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Missoula Federal Court today.

Once Cross is done serving his sentence he will remain on federal probation for an additional three years.

Cross was ordered to pay more than 1.5 million in restitution to more than 10 unnamed victims, his sentencing judge said.

Cross was released after his sentencing hearing and will turn himself in to authorities at a later, undetermined date.

Cross’ restitution numbers might change, but will be fully disclosed as a yet-to-be-determined future hearing, the judge said.

Cross said he will earn restitution money through his fireworks business.

Cross will not be allowed to own a firearm and must submit to drug and alcohol testing.

Cross waived his right to appear.

For the full story see next week’s Leader newspaper.

Leader reporter Michelle Lovato assisted with this story.