By the Associated Press:
A former Linn County Attorney has admitted that he stole equipment worth an estimated $75,000 from the county.
68-year-old John Sutherland, of Mound City, pleaded guilty Wednesday to mail fraud and lying to investigators.
Sutherland was Linn County Attorney for 20 years before becoming an assistant district attorney in Wyandotte County.
FBI agents who searched Sutherland’s office in Wyandotte County in February found 13 items stolen from Linn County.
Prosecutors say Sutherland stole 350 to 500 items, including electronics and equipment, between 2009 and when he left Linn County in 2017.
In Linn County, Sutherland bought goods and services for the office. Prosecutors say he instead bought items for himself and gave some items to his children.
As part of his plea, Sutherland will pay restitution and surrendered his law license.
