Suspect is no spelling bee champ

"Cheat. Thief. Lier." Those were the words - spelled with spray paint - inside the home of a Dolores County resident in December 2013.

According to court records, authorities allege that Thomas Reim, 68, of California not only vandalized his ex-wife's home, but he also stole dozens of items valued at more than $7,000.

Rejecting a plea deal last fall, Reim will face a Montezuma County jury starting on Monday, Feb. 2. He's charged with two counts of felony theft and misdemeanor counts for property damage and harassment.

He's represented by Cortez lawyer Richard Sims.