State v. O'KEEFE

The defendant appeals from a conviction for theft in the first degree, ORS 164.055. The conviction was based on the defendant’s receipt of welfare benefits to which he was not entitled. He contends that the trial court erred both in denying his motion to suppress a statement he made to a fraud investigator for the Adult and Family Services Division (AFSD) and in admitting evidence of defendant’s "other crimes” or bad acts. We agree with the latter contention, and reverse.

Beginning in April, 1977, the defendant and his family were entitled to and receiving welfare benefits of $408 per month.…