City finance director accused of shoplifting
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - The finance director for the city of Coos Bay is on paid administrative leave pending investigation into a shoplifting complaint.
Janell Howard was stopped by a Wal-Mart staff member on Sunday and accused of failing to pay for items valued at less than $13.
A store typically reports such an incident to police to find out whether the suspect is wanted for any other crimes.
If the suspect's record is clear, the store usually handles the matter itself, allowing law enforcement agencies to focus limited manpower on more serious crimes.
But this case will be handled by the Oregon State Police because of Howard's position with Coos Bay.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
