Bend theft suspect’s home searched by investigators

Deschutes County sheriff’s detectives followed up this week’s arrest of a Bend construction company worker on numerous forgery and theft charges with a search of the suspect’s home Thursday and Friday.

The sheriff’s office was contacted Tuesday by Jack Robinson and Sons Construction regarding a large amount of money that had been stolen by an employee of that firm and its related business, 4R Equipment, said Sgt. Deke DeMars.

Detectives investigating the complaint learned William John Walton III, 41, of Bend, had been forging company checks into his own name and depositing them into a personal bank account, DeMars said.

Walton was arrested Tuesday on aggravated theft and nearly 50 forgery charges, accused of stealing more than $50,000 by forging company checks and depositing them into his own bank account, sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies say the two-day search of Walton’s home was conducted to collect evidence such as documents that could be connected to the alleged theft. They say they are in the process of figuring out where that money went.

They were looking for evidences about funds “cashed or deposited into personal accounts, or several personal accounts,” DeMars said.

The total amount allegedly stolen is in excess of $50,000, the sergeant said Tuesday, adding that the sheriff’s office was still investigating additional forged transactions.

Police told NewsChannel 21 on Friday they believe that amount will increase.

As of Friday Walton had posted bail posted bail and been released. He was booked Tuesday on one count of first-degree aggravated theft and 48 counts of first-degree forgery. He was held on nearly $500,000 bail.

Ron Robinson told NewsChannel 21 he did not wish to make any comments, on camera or off, due to the ongoing investigation.

Walton began working for the firm four or five years ago. Investigators said they don’t yet know when the alleged thefts began.