Polson property manager accused of theft appears in court

A former Polson property manager charged with more than a dozen counts of theft made his initial appearance in Lake County District Court last week.

Douglas Dennis Lichte, who said he now lives in Bozeman, was wanted on a $100,000 warrant stemming from 19 counts of theft involving local businesses and homeowners.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, Lichte is accused of stealing rental payments and security deposits as well as draining multiple bank accounts established by homeowners to fund upkeep on properties he managed. Specifically, Lichte is charged with exerting unauthorized control over properties entrusted to him by their owners.

Lichte said during his appearance that he is seeking legal representation from a Missoula-based law firm. His arraignment was scheduled for April 20.