LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lancaster County commissioner charged with theft in nearby York County says he’s occasionally forgetful but is no thief.

71-year-old Larry Hudkins is accused of stealing a tractor part from York Equipment Inc. last month.

Hudkins said he took the part on Feb. 18 and had even left his business card atop the tractor he took the part from. Hudkins says he had an arrangement with the previous owner of the business that he’s patronized for nearly 50 years. Hudkins says the previous owner let Hudkins take items from the store and pay for them later. But this time, Hudkins says, he forgot to go back and pay for it.

Hudkins says he’s paid York Equipment.