Theft suspects claim innocence

SANDPOINT — Not guilty pleas have been entered by a Ponderay couple accused of defrauding a Sandpoint nonprofit that aids local cancer patients and their families.

Jeffrey Michael McFarland and Carey Rose Bradshaw are each charged with 24 counts of conspiracy to commit petty theft by deception for obtaining $695 in gasoline and food vouchers from Community Cancer Services, according to court documents.

McFarland, 26, is accused of falsely claiming he had liver cancer in order to obtain the vouchers. Bradshaw, 28, allegedly participated in the fraud by claiming to be engaged to McFarland and caring for two young children.

However, a Sandpoint Police report indicated the two children had been removed from Bradshaw’s care by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.

Trials are pending on the misdemeanor cases, which are not being prosecuted as felonies because the amount involved is less than $1,000. The couple is also awaiting trial on charges they fraudulently obtained prescription painkillers.