A man described as a con man by Jefferson County authorities has been arrested on felony theft charges. According to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, authorities arrested 64-year-old Roger Lee Manning of Birmingham, Iowa. The facts of the case are being made public to ensure safety of the public and prevent further harm. Manning was charged with theft in the first degree, a class C felony, on February 14th. The charge follows allegations that he obtained services or property in excess of $10,000 in value by passing a check that he knew would not be honored by the bank. He was placed on pre-trial supervision.

On March 5th, Manning was again arrested by the Fairfield police on a warrant for theft in the first degree on a separate incident. Manning allegedly passed a $16,000 check to repay a loan that was given to purchase real property, and he knew the check would not be honored.

According to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, “He has gained the trust of members of this community by holding himself out to be a wealthy benefactor, a patron of the arts and a generous donor to benevolent causes throughout Jefferson County and beyond.” According to his own affidavit, Manning is not a millionaire and stated he has a total income of $1,000 per month. People with information regarding other criminal acts involving Manning are asked to contact law enforcement or the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.