Associated Press

The director of North Dakota's Aeronautics Commission will stay on paid leave until Nov. 1.

Gary Ness was put on leave after he was charged with felony theft. He's accused of taking an envelope with $1,770 in cash from the counter of a Bismarck service station.

Aeronautics Commission Chairman Robert Miller says Ness has undergone medical exams - and there might be special circumstances in his case. Miller did not elaborate.

Miller also says Ness has been doing valuable work for the commission while he is on leave, although Ness is not acting as the agency's director.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 15.