YORK, Neb. (AP) — A 47-year-old man has been given probation so he’ll have a chance to pay back a Nebraska farmer he was accused of defrauding.

George Nelson had pleaded no contest and was convicted of attempted theft in a building scheme. Nelson was sentenced Monday by Judge James Stecker, who ordered Nelson to pay $17,000. County attorney Candace Dick told Stecker that she recommended probation “because the victim wants to be paid back.” She noted that Nelson owes $60,000 restitution in another state.

Nelson’s attorney told the judge that Nelson had a job waiting for him in Tennessee.

Dick has dropped a theft charge filed against Nelson’s wife, Karla. Dick told The Associated Press Friday that she wasn’t sure she had enough evidence for a conviction.