MISSOULA, Mont. » The former chief financial officer of Vann’s Inc. has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy in a federal case that alleges he helped former CEO George Leslie Manlove defraud the electronics and appliance chain, causing it to file for bankruptcy.

Paul Lyn Nisbet pleaded not guilty on Jan. 12 to a single conspiracy charge that includes a forfeiture requirement. The hearing was held before Magistrate Jeremiah Lynch in Missoula.

Nisbet previously reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, but a change-of-plea hearing that had been set for that day was canceled.

The offer of proof alleges that Nisbet was aware of Manlove’s unauthorized spending and did not inform the board, and that Nisbet benefited from the conspiracy.

Manlove has pleaded not guilty to more than 200 federal charges, including conspiracy and fraud.