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Headwaters� ex-director indicted Board rebuilds environmental organization By Paul Fattig The former executive director of the Headwaters environmental group has been indicted on one count of aggravated theft by a Jackson County grand jury. Richard Lee Gwynallen, 43, of Medford, who was arrested in late June and released after posting bond, was indicted after the grand jury met Thursday, said Allan Smith, deputy district attorney. Gwynallen will be arraigned Nov. 28 in Jackson County Circuit Court. If found guilty of the Class B felony, Gwynallen could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $200,000 fine or both, Smith said. However, sentencing guidelines would likely reduce that penalty, he added. At the time of Gwynallen�s arrest, the Ashland Police Department said he was suspected of embezzling more than $170,000 in grant money from December 1998 until this past June. Gwynallen has told the Mail Tribune he is innocent of any criminal intent. He began working as an administrator for Headwaters in January 1990 and was named executive director about two years ago. Although initially rocked by Gwynallen�s arrest, the 13-member board of the 25-year-old environmental group has started the process of rebuilding, according to board members. Supporters have contributed more than $55,000 to the non-profit group in recent months, and the board has drawn up a new conservation commitment plan, according to a letter sent to supporters by board chairman Chris Bratt. Following a planning session recently, the Headwaters board committed the group to forest conservation, protection and restoration, according to Bratt. The environmental watchdog group built a reputation of launching administrative appeals or lawsuits when it felt actions by public land management agencies or others threatened the environment. The group has about 750 members. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.