The trial is over for a farmer charged with theft by misrepresenting the quality of milk he sold to a cheese company.

Gary Schumacher of Stetsonville reached a financial settlement with the firm, which could mean he will avoid jail time.

The 48-year-old Schumacher agreed to plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct instead of the two felony theft charges he faced.

In return, he agreed to pay Mullins Cheese an undisclosed amount of money. The charge against him will be dismissed if the restitution is paid within a year. If he does not pay, he could face 90 days in jail.

Schumacher also will be dismissed in a civil case Mullins filed against him and others accused in the scheme. Six others still face criminal charges, with three due for trial later this month.

The agreement came yesterday, prior to the third day of Schumacher's trial in Marathon County Circuit Court.