A multi-year court battle concluded with a “bittersweet” outcome for a Lincoln County farmer as Seth Eickholt, a Sioux Falls man, was sentenced to a suspended 10-year prison term and five years of probation for stealing tens of thousands of dollars in grain.
Eickholt, who had stolen crops valued at around $700,000 from farmers Mike and Larry Poppens between January 2020 and November 2021, accepted a plea deal for one count of grand theft.
Larry Poppens expressed satisfaction that Eickholt would have a felony on his record but lamented the substantial loss and operational adjustments they had to make.
Eickholt, who had worked for the Poppens, initiated the theft scheme soon after his employment and involved other employees in his activities.
The theft was discovered through a convoluted tip from an acquaintance.