Wood Co. (WAOW) -- A now-former Wood Co. cheese company owner is accused of stealing from other farmers.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Michael Moran, the then owner of Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company, is charged with felony theft from more than 80 farmers in Wood Co.

“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are in the midst of a crisis,” said Attorney General Kaul. “It’s particularly galling that theft alleged in this case resulted in money being stolen from milk producers during such a difficult time.”

According to the DOJ, farmers provide milk to Moran's business in Rudolph, WI.

According to a release, Moran forged the names of farmers on underpayment checks and converted the funds for his use or for others.

Officials say about 83 milk producers have been victimized totaling a loss of $21,250. About one quarter of the victims are more than 60 years old.

Moran is expected to be in court Feb. 24.

Investigators say they learned of the theft from an employee at the company. They say the employee told the USDA about the theft in 2017.

The alleged thefts happened between Jan. 2012 and April 2018.