The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office will recommend that a former county commissioner face a theft charge related to a months-long investigation at a McLouth gasoline station.

Sheriff Jeff Herrig’s office was investigating an allegation made in January against Don Edmonds, who at the time was a Jefferson County commissioner. Edmonds resigned his post without giving a reason days later.

Owners of Haag Oil in Topeka originally reported a $12,000 theft from the McLouth BP station, where Edmonds was acting manager. A Haag Oil official told the Journal-World in January that the company later discovered the money was accounted for, but that it took several days for Edmonds to confirm to his superiors he made the bank deposit.

Herrig has said investigators were looking into events at the store that occurred over several months. The sheriff did not release specifics Monday, but he said investigators believe theft of funds had “been ongoing.”

Herrig said he would forward results of the investigation to Jefferson County Attorney Caleb Stegall late Monday or on Tuesday. Stegall then will decide whether to file charges.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Edmonds told the Journal-World Monday afternoon.

He declined comment on the case. Edmonds said Oskaloosa attorney Michael Hayes — the former county attorney who lost his re-election bid to Stegall last year — would represent him if he were charged.

Edmonds had owned the McLouth store until he sold it to Haag Oil in 2008, and he had been working as acting manager until the company let him go in January.

Gary Haag, Haag Oil’s general manager, declined comment Monday.

Jefferson County Republicans have appointed former commissioner Lynn Luck to serve the rest of Edmonds’ term.