Fraud Charges Dropped Against South Dakota Farmer

Federal prosecutors have dropped charges against an Aberdeen, S.D., man accused of filing false crop insurance claims.

However, 53-year-old Nicholas Berbos has been fined $250,000 for attempting to bribe a witness.

Authorities say Berbos offered extra employment benefits to a worker in return for testimony in connection with the federal investigation. The American News reports that Berbos pleaded guilty earlier and was sentenced Monday to five years of probation and the fine.

Berbos served 76 days in custody after a judge ruled in July that he violated terms of his bond by moving to Florida without notifying court officials or getting their permission.