The former auditor for Cathay, N.D., is accused of embezzling money from the city's coffers.
A criminal complaint says Charles Devine used the city's account in July 2009 to write a $500 check to himself without permission to do so.
Devine was charged with forgery earlier this month and with theft in May when the check in question came to the attention of the City Council.
City Councilor Robin Rost said Devine has since resigned. Devine may face more charges in connection with other incidents of embezzling from the city, Rost said, adding that the total amount missing is not yet clear.
Phone calls to Devine's home went unanswered Tuesday. A message left for Devine's attorney, Lori Weisz, was not returned.
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Rost said the ordeal has been a lesson to Cathay and should serve as one to other small towns.
"Percentage-wise, it's a considerable amount of money for a little town," he said. "There's been a considerable attendance at the meetings, trying to figure out what was going on."
Cathay (population 45) is about 20 miles northwest of Carrington, N.D.
