A man who was accused of being a "mole" during last year's Senate campaign pleaded no contest this week to an unrelated theft charge.
Mark B. Linebaugh, former Congressman Wayne Owens' chief East Coast fund-raiser, made headlines in October and November after Owens accused him of secretly meeting with Utah GOP leaders to strategize against him - all while still on Owens' payroll.Linebaugh, 28, of Arlington, Va., denied the meetings and said he quit Owens' campaign because of philosophical differences.
Days after the accusations, Linebaugh was arrested following a burglary at an East Central City convenience store. Police said Linebaugh and two others entered a closed convenience store and took beer, a burrito and other items.
Linebaugh was charged with misdemeanor theft and trespassing charges. He pleaded guilty to the trespassing charge and was fined $150. He pleaded no contest to the theft charge, which can be dismissed after six months of successful probation.
Prosecutors declined to file felony charges against the men because one of the store's doors had apparently not been secured and the lights inside the store were still on. Linebaugh said he placed $5 on the counter when he couldn't find anyone inside to take his money, but police could not locate the money.