Charlo man denies stealing safe

A Charlo man was identified from a photo line-up as the suspect in a case of theft involving a woman’s safe. Joshua Michael Vander Ploeg, 27, entered a plea of not guilty to felony theft in Polson District Court on Feb. 1.

According to court records, on Jan. 9, a woman reported that a safe containing cash, a computer, a gun, prescription medicine, and other items was stolen. After being identified as the suspect in the photo line-up, Vander Ploeg allegedly admitted to taking the safe. 

The suspect, who is on probation stemming from a burglary conviction in 2018, turned the missing gun over to his probation officer.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set the case for trial July 8.