Former state official pleads guilty to theft

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A former state official who oversaw many of Missouri's security measures after Sept. 11, 2001, pleaded guilty Monday to stealing a lawnmower.

Mark Allen, who had been assistant director of the Division of Facilities Management, entered the plea in Boone County Circuit Court to one count of felony stealing.

Allen was arrested Aug. 18 in after witnesses told police they saw Allen load a riding lawnmower into his sport utility vehicle at an equipment dealership in Columbia and drive away without paying for it.

He was placed on leave after the arrest and has since left the Office of Administration. Allen has also resigned as the head of Jefferson City's Traffic and Transportation Commission.

Assistant prosecutor Mark Morasch said the state would recommend a four-year prison term when Allen is sentenced on May 5.