Man accused of stealing nearly $66K worth of flooring pleads not guilty

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) -- A 35-year-old Wausau man accused of stealing nearly $66,000 worth of product from his former employer-- a flooring company, has pleaded not guilty.

Lee Plonske was charged Monday with theft greater than $10,000.

The business' owner suspected Plonske was falsifying invoices to hide the thefts.

An investigation began after a few subcontractors reported receiving payments for work they had not done.

Plonske was employed by the business for eight years. Court documents only alleged to miscount occurring in the final year of his employment.

Plonske was fired on Nov. 18, 2016.

Investigators said Plonske had been using the subcontractors and flooring products to do work on his newly constructed home.

A future court date has not yet been set. He's free on $5,000 cash bond.