Hackett arrested on several theft charges

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY – (Information provided by the Baker City Police Department) On June 19, 2021, Baker County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kenneth Edward Hackett, dob: 11/25/1969, 2755 8^th Street, Baker City on a Baker County Circuit Court Warrant for Aggravated Theft 1^st Degree x2 and Theft I. Hackett was lodged in the Baker County Jail on the warrant. Aggravated Theft is defined as any transaction of $10,000.00 or more.

The warrant stems from multiple investigations by Baker City Police Department and Baker County Sheriff’s Office related to construction fraud. BCPD identified six victims and BCSO investigated two incidents with a combined loss of over $78,000.00. One other case was reported to BCPD, but the county of venue was Union County. Three of the cases reported to BCPD were settled by civil action between the victims and Hackett.

Hackett is alleged to have obtained funding from the victims and either never completed or never started the construction projects. According to Oregon Contractor Construction Board (OCCB), Hackett has never been a licensed contractor in Oregon and according to OCCB, Hackett has over $23,000.00 in civil penalties pending.

BCPD anticipates additional charges, as additional investigations will be presented to the Baker County District Attorney’s Office. If anyone believes they have been a victim of Hackett, please contact either BCPD or BCSO.