k1022 BC-KS-Ex-CommissionerCh 09-30 0234

Former Jefferson County commissioner charged

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MCLOUTH, Kan. (AP) -- Former Jefferson County commissioner Don Edmonds of McLouth has been charged in a theft investigation.

County attorney Caleb Stegall said Tuesday that he had charged Edmonds with theft in excess of $100,000 and attempted theft in excess of $100,000, both felonies.

Edmonds resigned from the commission in January after authorities said they were investigating a possible theft at a McLouth BP station that he had managed and formerly owned.

Stegall said the victim of the theft was King's Construction Co. of Oskaloosa -- not Topeka-based Haag Oil, the owner of the McLouth convenience store.

Sheriff Jeff Herrig said the crime involved theft by deception, but authorities did not release further details.

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Information from: Lawrence Journal-World, http://www.ljworld.com