The former manager of a Powell auto dealership was supposed to be sentenced this month in connection with allegations that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from the business and a customer. However, Vince Smith’s sentencing was delayed until the fall while the prosecution and defense pin down just how much the 59-year-old must pay in restitution.

Charging documents allege that Smith kept the money from a half-dozen auto sales in 2021 and 2022, while he was serving as Yellowstone Motors’ general manager. In several instances, Smith allegedly tricked customers into wiring their payments to his personal bank account instead of Yellowstone Motors’; in a couple other transactions, he allegedly pocketed cash payments.

Powell Police Investigator Chris Wallace concluded that Smith had stolen over $120,000. However, a restitution memo filed with the Park County District Court within the criminal case indicated that Smith should repay $27,386.

“There are some issues still outstanding on what exactly he owes,” Deputy Park County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Eichele said in a Friday email. “It has changed over time and I want to get it right before the entry of the plea.”

Yellowstone Motors caught on to Smith’s scheme in the fall of 2022 and he allegedly confessed to the company’s owner; in one text, Smith reportedly wrote that he hoped the conversation would “serve as evidence, proof and a written statement of my guilt for you to have for my prosecution …”

Following a lengthy investigation by Powell police, Park County prosecutors charged Smith with one felony count of theft in early 2024. He drove back from New Jersey to turn himself in that February.

At Smith’s first court appearance, his defense attorney, Brigita Krisjansons, said her client was trying to “do things right” and “get this taken care of.” She said Smith’s actions were out of character and suggested they resulted from a medication he was taking for multiple sclerosis.

Krisjansons subsequently opened plea negotiations with the Park County Attorney’s Office and reported in October that they were “close to a resolution.” Earlier this year, she informed the court that Smith was ready to change his “not guilty” plea and face sentencing, and a hearing was slated for April 21. Last week, however, Krisjansons asked for a delay.

“Issues have arisen with regards to the restitution amount which may affect the resolution in this matter,” she wrote in the April 7 filing.

Park County District Court Judge Bill Simpson quickly agreed to push the sentencing date back to Sept. 8.