Former Prineville City Official Charged With Stealing Gas

PRINEVILLE  CRIME  GENERAL NEWS 

By Ethan Lindsey

Bend, OR  July 22, 2008 9:53 a.m.

A former public works director for the city of Prineville has been charged with stealing almost $14,000 worth of gas from city pumps. Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports.

The city of Prineville cut Jim Mole's job as public works director in January of 2007. At the time, Mole accused the city manager of intentionally firing him, because he complained about possible financial impropriety.

The city settled with Mole out of court for an undisclosed sum.

This May, the Prineville City Council fired the city manager.

Now, the wheels of justice have turned back to Mole, the self-appointed 'whistleblower.'

The Oregon State Police, after an investigation, say Mole continued to take gas from municipal gas pumps after he was no longer employed.

Deputy District Attorney Daini Vitolins says Mole was indicted for three counts of first degree theft, or $14,000 in gas. Mole voluntarily turned himself in, before being released on bond.

He will be arraigned next month.

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