School board trustee accused of ketchup theft

[October 02, 2008]  ORANGE, Calif. (AP) -- An Orange school board trustee known for his dark glasses, knit cap and rants at meetings was suspected of condiment kidnapping.

A Chapman University spokeswoman said the man was cited for petty theft on Saturday after he put a ketchup bottle under his clothing and left the school's cafeteria.

The man must appear in court, and if charges are filed he could face 45 days in jail.

In 2005, the board reprimanded the man and told him to limit his remarks to school issues after he rambled about credit unions and his father's death. He sued the district for violating his right to free speech, but the case was dismissed.

The man's school board tenure will be over in November because of redistricting. He is running for the Santa Ana City Council.

[Associated Press]

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