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Missoula, Mont. (AP) A former sergeant with the Ravalli County Sheriff's Department who is accused of stealing more than 40,000 rounds of ammunition has pleaded not guilty to felony theft.

Jeffrey Fowler was fired in July after the state Division of Criminal Investigation looked into the case. The state Attorney General's Office says he stole the ammunition from the sheriff's department and sold it to several individuals and businesses.

The department realized the ammo was missing in May, and most of it has been recovered.

Fowler had worked for the department since 1999 and was a firearms instructor.

Information from: KPAX-TV, http://www.kpax.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-30-09 0027CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list