Gazette-Times

A former Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife manager was arraigned Monday in Marion County Circuit Court following his arrest last week in connection with theft and official misconduct charges.

Kenneth R. Condon, 33, was employed by ODFW from June 2004 to June 2006 as the education services section manager.

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife investigators began a four-week investigation in May 2007 after suspecting Condon of stealing more than $8,000 worth of sporting goods and construction tools from the agency, according to state police.

ODFW spokesman Richard Hargrave said Condon managed the hunter education, aquatic and angler and outdoor skills programs from the Salem office.

Condon was formally charged with five counts of first-degree theft and two counts of first-degree official misconduct Monday. He was released and allowed to return to his home in Blackfoot, Idaho, pending his next hearing date, July 15.

First-degree theft is a Class C felony, punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of $125,000. First-degree official misconduct is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $6,250 fine.