A former University professor was released on bail Wednesday after being charged with stealing from the University, according to a University Police Services news release.

University police on Monday charged William T. McSweeny, former assistant professor of agricultural economics, with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft of services and unlawful tampering with records or identification, University police said.

Criminal complaints were filed against McSweeny alleging he unlawfully obtained money and services totaling $5,372.89 from the University while he was employed.

McSweeny allegedly submitted a false voucher and made personal long distance phone calls at the University's expense in 1990 and 1991.

According to the police news release -- issued late yesterday afternoon -- McSweeny is on an unpaid leave of absence from the University.

However, University spokeswoman Vicki Fong said last night that McSweeny no longer works here, and a memo circulated recently among agricultural economics staff corroborated her statement.

McSweeny was arraigned before District Justice Clifford H. Yorks and released on $5,000 bail, police said.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 Wednesday morning at Centre County Court in Bellefonte.

If he is found guilty, McSweeny would be added to the list of at least four employees who stole from the University in recent years.

The most recent case involves Joseph Prewitt-Diaz, a former associate professor of education, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of illegally obtaining $36,066 in money and services from the University between 1986 and 1991.