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Ex-EPA official pleads guilty to theft

WASHINGTON — A former high-ranking official with the Environmental Protection Agency is pleading guilty to stealing nearly $900,000 from the agency over 13 years by failing to show up for work for while claiming to be working for the CIA.

Sixty-four-year-old John C. Beale, a former deputy assistant administrator in the Office of Air and Radiation, accepted a plea agreement with the government at a court hearing Friday. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola read the evidence against Beale and asked if it was true.

In a flat, emotionless voice, Beale answered, “Yes it is, your honor.”

Under the plea deal with prosecutors, Beale faces 30 to 37 months in prison. He also agreed to pay restitution of $886,000 and to forfeit an additional $507,000.

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