http://9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNA...7-c589c01ca7bf

COLORADO SPRINGS - Investigators say a 32-year-old man who worked his way up from age 17 to manage two bicycle shops is suspected of stealing more than $400,000 in gear and selling it on eBay.

William Reese Hougton, 32, was arrested in November for thefts from Pro Cycling between 2003 and 2005 of $375,000, and that led to an investigation of his work at Colorado Cyclist. Now he is charged with stealing $70,025 worth of gear from Colorado Cyclist, said police detective Fred Walker.

Houghton made a preliminary appearance in court Thursday and will be back Wednesday at which time a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial.

Walker said Houghton made a profit of $44,549 from the stolen goods at Colorado Cyclist, based on his PayPal online payment account, which tracked his eBay sales. He sold heart-rate monitors, bicycles and other items, often below retail prices.

He had been hired at age 17 at Colorado Cyclist in 1991. "He was a success there, hired as a warehouse stock boy and worked his way up to general manager, the No. 2 man in charge," Walker said.

Although he was fired in December 2002 after the owner became suspicious, no charges were filed.

Hougton then persuaded a biking pal, Bruce McGrew, to open a bike shop. McGrew was unaware of what had happened at the other shop and opened Pro Cycling with Houghton.

An affidavit says that within six weeks of the opening of the shop Hougton began selling stolen items.

Michael Joe Kelty, 35, a friend of Houghton's and a former coworker from Colorado Cyclist, also was arrested in November. He was charged with stealing $8,400 worth of bicycles and parts last summer for himself and friends.

Both were fired but are free on bail.