Former Benton County official pleads guilty to theft

The former Benton County Conservation Department director pleaded guilty last week to charges involving fuel purchases for his personal use on the county's credit card.

Gerald Heber of Walford, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and felonious misconduct in office May 2, according to court records. He faces up to 10 years in prison and and $7,500 in fines. Sentencing is set 1 p.m. June 27 in Benton County District Court.  

Heber was charged after another employee discovered charges made on the county's credit card by Heber were made during the time Heber was on medical leave. The Benton County Attorrney's Office asked the Iowa State Auditor to conduct an audit regarding these financial transactions from June 1, 2010 through Nov. 7, 2011.The auditor report found $2,794 in fuel purchases were made by Heber without adequate documentation.

Heber admitted to Benton County Sheriff's investigators that he purchased fuel for his personal vehicle and purchased fuel on days when he was on vacation or sick leave, according to the audit report.