Ex-PUD I.T. worker stole 100,000 worth of iPhones, tablets from utility and resold them

A former PUD IT employee was arrested for allegedly stealing over $100,000 worth of Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads, to sell on eBay. The 36-year-old man utilized his administrative access to unlock and misappropriate 470 devices, which he sold online after disconnecting them from the PUD's inventory system. The theft was first discovered during an audit, revealing 129 missing devices, and police were able to trace the stolen items back to his eBay account via matching serial numbers. The employee, who had previously maintained a clean criminal record, was apprehended on felony charges in a Petco parking lot. In response to the theft, the PUD has implemented new inventory management protocols, including hiring a dedicated inventory control manager and engaging third-party vendors to manage device disconnections.

PUD spokeswoman Kellie Stickney confirmed that most of the stolen devices were set for disposition soon, and that the utility reported the loss to the state Auditor’s Office and police immediately. So far, nine stolen phones have been recovered from buyers, with more expected to be returned. The incident underscores the importance of stringent internal controls in safeguarding public property.