South Hutchinson ? Officials with the former Central Livestock sale barn in South Hutchinson won’t face felony charges for allegedly bouncing checks written for more than $300,000 to ranchers and cattlemen.

The barn has been closed since Feb. 14, when auditors with the U.S. Department of Agriculture began investigating its finances and cattlemen complained about checks from the business bouncing. That investigation is ongoing.

According to court documents unsealed Friday in Reno County District Court, the livestock company faces six counts of failure to account promptly for the sale of livestock, a class C nonperson misdemeanor that carries a fine of between $200 and $500.

About 125 ranchers reported claims totaling $317,800 against Central Livestock, including one check for $36,800.

Assistant Dist. Atty. Ben Fisher said Kansas law prevents filing of harsher charges against the company and its president, Mac Frederick.

“When we charge a crime, we have to charge to the most specific statute available,” Fisher said. “An example would be if you go out and bounce checks on your roommate’s account. We couldn’t charge you with a worthless check because the crime is a forgery.”

Ranchers soon will recoup a portion of the money they lost, said Kansas Livestock Commissioner George Teagarden. Ranchers who filed against a $75,000 surety bond held by Central Livestock should receive checks by Monday, Teagarden said.