NEW ULM - A 59-year-old New Ulm man facing 16 felony theft counts allegedly involving more than $90,000 in checks written on accounts of the Brown County Agricultural Society (BCAS) and New Ulm Baseball Association (NUBA) accounts since January 2009, made his first appearance Tuesday in Brown County District Court.
Judge Bruce W. Christopherson released Robert J. Reinhart on his own recognizance under conditions that he report any address changes, remain law-abiding and report to the Brown County Law Enforcement Center to begin processing and provide a biological specimen.
A short omnibus hearing was set for 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7.
According to the complaint, New Ulm Police secured a search warrant at Reinhart's place of business in March. Reinhart, an accountant, told police he planned to pay back all funds owed to both organizations, admitted to using the money to pay business and personal debts, and denied making any major purchases with it.
New Ulm attorney Josh Steinbrecher is representing the BCAS and NUBA in the case. Mankato attorney Allen Eskins is representing Reinhart.