Man admits embezzling from Whitefish bike shop

A Whitefish man has admitted to stealing more than $11,000 from a local bicycle shop over a two-year period.

Kyle Justin Watkins, 35, pleaded guilty in Flathead District Court to charges of felony embezzlement. He originally denied the charges, but changed his plea April 2.

According to court documents, the owner at Glacier Cyclery in downtown Whitefish noticed discrepancies in customer accounts maintained by Watkins. The owner said he asked about the imbalances and that Watkins couldn’t provide a reason why the accounts were off.

When Whitefish police met with Watkins, he allegedly admitted to stealing from the business. According to court documents, Watkins would take cash from the register, transfer money to his bank accounts, steal merchandise, and deposit checks into his personal account.

Watkins told police he doesn’t know exactly how much he stole from the business while employed there, but the shop owner estimates he embezzled about $11,000.

Watkins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and a $50,000 fine. He also may be ordered to pay restitution.