A former Plum Creek worker was given a probationary sentence in Flathead District Court on Thursday and ordered to pay more than $38,000 in restitution for taking unmerited unemployment benefits.

According to court documents Thomas L. Croft, now of Pennsylvania, made claims from August 2008 until August 2010 that he was entitled to $30,328 in state unemployment benefits and $1,100 in federal compensation. Croft reported working zero hours and receiving zero pay.

An inquiry by state officials found that Croft had been working for Plum Creek during that time and had received $66,581 from the company when he claimed to be unemployed.

Croft entered an Alford plea to felony theft. Alford pleas allow defendants to admit that he or she is likely to be found guilty at trial, but let the defendant maintain his or her innocence.

Croft was ordered to serve a six-year deferred sentence by Flathead District Court Judge David Ortley.

He was also ordered to pay restitution. Croft’s attorney Lane Bennett tried to get the condition of probation prohibiting him from drinking lifted during the sentencing, but Ortley did not grant the request. Ortley noted that alcohol was not involved in the crime, but that Croft should not be permitted to gamble or drink.

“Those can be considered luxuries he simply cannot afford,” Ortley said.

Montana Special Assistant Attorney General Joe Nevin prosecuted the case.

Nevin warned Croft that if he did not comply with probation, the cost of revocation would likely hit his wallet. Croft already was assessed a $2,000 extradition fee.

“If we have to revoke, it gets expensive,” Nevin said.

The state has imposed an additional $10,008 penalty in the case and Croft made some minimal payments prior to sentencing.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].