Developer acquitted on theft charges

Bend developer T.M. Pete was acquitted on Friday, February 8, on six charges of theft and three charges of forgery.

Pete had been accused by the Deschutes County District Attorney of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from building clients in fraudulent business deals.

Michael Hooey of Sisters was a witness against Pete. According to Hooey, one of the aggravated theft charges against the developer stemmed from work Pete was involved in on Hooey's home.

While he was disappointed that the judge found that no criminal intent could be proved against Pete, Hooey was philosophical.

"I think the district attorney worked hard. I think the judge worked hard," he said. "I disagree with the judge's decision."

Hooey said he still has a civil action pending against Pete. Hooey also said that he and his wife may have to sell their house, although he noted that that move is not solely due to the legal wrangling. with Pete.