Douglas, 41, is one of five candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the 5th Congressional District. Incumbent Republican Susan Brooks is running unopposed in the May primary.

A first-time candidate for elective office, his wife Kristy is seeking the party’s nomination for Madison County recorder against 2014 candidate Barbara Joy.

If Douglas was running for a Madison County office or a state office, the felony conviction would prevent him from seeking the office.

Douglas in 2009 entered a plea of guilty in Marion County to a Class D felony charge of theft. There was a civil judgment against Douglas in the amount of $88,000 in restitution to a former employer.

“I used a company credit card for personal expenses,” Douglas said during an interview with The Herald Bulletin. “I made a mistake. It was something I did and I accept it.”

He admitted not paying any restitution to his former employer, which would have allowed the felony conviction to be reduced to a misdemeanor charge. Douglas received a suspended sentence.

“I have bipolar disorder

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.

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