Scamming suspect in court

The case of a St. Charles man accused of bilking people out of at least $30,000 in an online scam involving trampoline sales appears headed to trial next year.

Michael Milligan, 67, of 11 S. 19th St., is due next in court Dec. 19 for a pre-trial conference.

A trial date has not been set.

Often, on the eve of trial, defendants reach a plea agreement with the state. But Milligan said last week that he's innocent and he's looking forward to proving that in court.

"Don't believe everything from the state's attorney's office as God's word," he said.

Milligan was arrested in 2002 on charges he failed to deliver orders to 12 people through his business, Astrea, and for not paying suppliers.

The trampolines sold for $789 and were ordered from customers as far away as Connecticut and California.

Another round of charges was levied against him in 2004. He was accused of selling more trampolines while free on bond.

He agreed to plead guilty to some charges in 2005 on the condition that prosecutors could seek restitution, but not prison time.

Milligan, however, changed his mind in early 2006. He filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, arguing he was just late with deliveries, not trying to rip people off.

The most serious charge of computer fraud carries a prison term of two to five years in prison.