PORTLAND (AP) – A former Portland apartment building manager who’s accused of stealing more than $260,000 from the owner of the high-rise has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Fifty-six-year-old Thomas Abbott entered the plea Friday in Cumberland County Superior Court in Portland. Abbott was indicted by a grand jury last month on a felony theft charge, which could bring a 10-year prison sentence.

Until last summer, Abbott was resident manager of the 30-unit Northgate Apartments in Portland.

Investigators say the thefts began in May 2006. Abbott allegedly took rent payments from tenants and deposited them in a personal account. Police say he told the property owner that several units were empty and other tenants were not paying rent.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com

AP-ES-01-17-09 1205EST