Federal Way school board president won't step down amid felony theft allegations

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — The school board president for Federal Way Public Schools, Tony Moore, is out on $140,000 bail after being arrested for allegedly stealing $150,000 in tires.

Detectives in Multnomah County in the Portland area told KIRO7 that they believe he stole tires from GCR Tire Centers in Portland from March to October of 2011.

An employee at his tire-brokerage shop in Federal Way said no tires at the shop are stolen.

He said, "You know, we pick tires up and we buy them. That's it."

Detective said that Moore allegedly went to GCR Tire Centers to look for used tires that could be salvaged and an employee there would look the other way while he stole new tires.

No one answered at Moore's home.

He was also the founding pastor at Christ the King Bible Fellowship in Federal Way. A staff member at the church wouldn't comment on the allegations.

In a text message, Moore said, "I have been advised by my attorney not to comment on this pending matter other than to remind all that this is an allegation, not proven."

He's facing seven felony aggravated theft charges in Oregon.

He was arrested on Sept. 17 at SeaTac Airport, where he was supposed to get on a plane to Europe for a school board trip.

Moore got out of the King County Jail on Sept. 20, posting a$140,000 bond.

In an email statement, Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Rob Neu wrote, ""We were recently made aware of the situation involving Tony Moore. We've been informed that the allegations do not involve Tony's responsibilities as a board member in the Federal Way School District. We have no further information regarding this situation at this time." 

Board Vice President Angela Griffin also sent an email statement, saying, "The Federal Way Public Schools board of directors are aware of the legal matters concerning our fellow board member, Tony Moore, and are actively monitoring the situation. School board members are independent elected officials. We remain focused on moving forward in our role as district leaders and ensuring our children receive an excellent and equitable learning experience in the Federal Way School District."

But some people are calling for Moore's resignation.

"Absolutely horrible, and I think he ought to resign without being forced to resign," said Toni Keselburgh, who was waiting to pick up her sophomore granddaughter at Federal Way High School.

Moore was elected to office in 2008. His term ends in 2015.

According to state law, if Moore is convicted of a felony, he will be forced to resign.

A spokesperson at the Multnomah County district attorney's office said a date is pending for Moore to be arraigned in Oregon.

KIRO