Former Minot hotel manager pleads not guilty to embezzling

MINOT, N.D. (AP) - The former longtime general manager of the Grand Hotel in Minot has pleaded not guilty to embezzling from the business.

Authorities allege that 67-year-old James Mello stole more than $40,000 over a two-year period. He pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony theft charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A pretrial conference is scheduled June 8.

Mello retired last June after 43 years as the hotel’s manager. He has declined comment to The Associated Press.