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48 °F 5 Day Forecast Friday, November 28, 2003 --> Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 28, 2003 Central Point cop charged By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Facing charges that he stole from the city, a Central Point police officer has resigned. A Jackson County grand jury Friday indicted former officer Greg Krebs on charges of first- and third-degree theft. Krebs stepped down from his post Oct. 16, Central Point city officials said. Krebs’ attorney said he will plead not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors allege that in March this year Krebs stole and pawned a bayonet issued by the city to fellow officer Charles Newell. The bayonet was worth less than $50, but selling stolen property warrants a first-degree felony theft charge under Oregon law, said Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston. City officials refused to comment Monday on the theft allegations. It remained unclear how the case came to light. Advertisement Krebs has not been arrested, but will be summoned to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court Nov. 6 to hear the charges against him, according documents filed at the district attorney’s office. If convicted of the felony charge, Krebs would face a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a $100,000 fine. While the case will proceed in Jackson County, Josephine County officials will prosecute Krebs to avoid a conflict of interest, Huddleston said. Criminal charges against local law enforcement officers often are handed off to Josephine County authorities, Huddleston added. "These are typically police officers that we work with on a regular basis," Huddleston said. Employed by the Central Point Police Department since 1997, Krebs experienced financial difficulties in recent years, according to Circuit Court records. Local credit agencies won small claims judgments against Krebs in three separate cases filed in Circuit Court in 2000 and 2001. The companies garnished about $1,500 of Krebs’ wages from the city of Central Point, according to court records. Krebs last listed with the court a Central Point address in the 12000 block of Modoc Road. He is represented by Medford attorney Marty Capetz. "We’ve asked for copies of the reports and have received nothing," Capetz said. "We don’t know what the charges are based upon. We’re going to go in and plead not guilty because this is really ridiculous. It’s very thin charges. "They’re ruining a man’s career over a bayonet. As this unfolds you’ll see more from his perspective. They’re making more of it than it really is." Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times