June 12--STILLWATER, Okla. -- A Cleveland police investigation into whether a former sheriff stole from a convenience store is finished, but the business doesn't wish to prosecute, Assistant Chief Jim Hale said.
Hale confirmed last week the department investigated a report concerning accusations former Sheriff Roger Price took items from In N Out Food Store. Monday Hale said the store employees do not wish to prosecute.
"There's no case on it without a victim," Hale said.
Cleveland police released a report Monday. Three store employees told police May 31 a man didn't pay for gum and candy bars. One person said the items were stuffed in his pockets. The man did pay for milk and chips. The report lists Roger Lee Price as the suspect.
"This officer asked all three clerks why did they not stop him outside the door and (ask) him about shoplifting the candy and gum," the investigating officer wrote. "The clerks stated they are afraid of him and what he might do."
The store owner contacted the police department Wednesday and said he doesn't want to press charges, the report says.
A woman who answered the phone at the store Monday said no one was available to comment.
Price was charged in 2010 with grand larceny and unauthorized use of a vehicle on accusations he stole a trailer. The charges were eventually dropped. A special prosecutor refiled the unauthorized use of a vehicle charge last month.
That year, a Pawnee County jury voted to boot Price from office in connection with unrelated allegations. Last week, the Supreme Court of Oklahoma upheld the ouster.
Price is now running for sheriff. Primary elections for county offices are June 26.
Copyright 2012 - Stillwater NewsPress, Okla.
