A Kalispell woman has pleaded not guilty to embezzling more than $150,000 from her father’s business.

Heidi Jo Morton, 36, entered the plea to a charge of felony theft Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to a court document, the owner of Roto Rooter contacted the Kalispell Police Department on May 8, 2013, to report his daughter, who had been his bookkeeper for six years, had been embezzling from the business.

The document states he became suspicious that money was missing and obtained bank records from 2010 to 2013, finding unauthorized expenses from Morton including checks to herself and other personal expenses she paid from the business account.

He reportedly took the records to his son, a certified public accountant, who determined $150,327.55 had been embezzled over four years.

If convicted, Morton faces between one and 10 years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000 as well as restitution.

Morton was initially incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center with bond set at $25,000, but she was later released on her own recognizance.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.