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Three Minnesota bankers pleaded not guilty Wednesday to fraud and conspiracy charges connected to a project in Ramsey that 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has been following in our ‘TRACKING YOUR MONEY’ reports.

The three officers with Community National Bank are accused of lining their pockets with funds put up for the Ramsey Town Center project.

Former president Bill Sandison, his son Ross William Sandison, the former vice president and former executive vice president Curt Martinson all face charges.

The Ramsey Town Center plan, partially funded by $5 million in taxpayers’ money, was supposed to be the new home of 322 acres of new houses, shops, and a parking garage along Highway 10. But currently, there are very few shops a lot of empty acreage and a little-used parking lot.

According to the indictment, the Sandisons and Martinson created side businesses and then paid themselves back before other banks or contractors on the project.

The indictment alleges they used project money for dinners with family and landscaping at their homes.

All three men are being charged with money laundering, conspiracy, bank and mail fraud.