Behm fired from Woodstock after theft arrest

WOODSTOCK – Dale Behm has been fired from his position as street supervisor following his arrest for stealing from the city.

The 36-year veteran of the city staff was charged with felony theft of government property for allegedly stealing about a ton of road salt and two snow plow skids – materials that carry the total value of about $160, City Manager Roscoe Stelford said.

Behm was originally placed on paid leave after the Feb. 28 arrest. He was fired March 5.

Stelford said an investigation showed road salt was taken around the turn of the new year. He said he wasn't aware of when the skids were stolen.

Stelford declined to say whether there was reason to believe Behm had been stealing from the city in previous years.

"I can't hypothesize on that," he said. "Any allegations that were made were addressed with Mr. Behm."

Street Foreman Roger Vidales has been overseeing the day-to-day operations of the streets department in Behm's absence, Public Works Director Paul Ruscko said.

Staff is currently analyzing whether Behm's position will be posted as is, or if the job description and title could change.

"We're internally reviewing the organizational structure of public works and as soon as we have consensus on how we want to move forward, we will be posting the corresponding position availability," Ruscko said.

Behm's next court date for the Class 4 felony is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19.

He was released on March 1 on a $1,000 recognizance bond.