NORTH BLENHEIM — An investigation into alleged timber thefts in Schoharie and Delaware counties has led to felony charges against a North Blenheim man, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

DEC officials said Burton L. Maxim, 40, was involved in a series of timber thefts dating back to 2004. He has been charged with:

- Third-degree grand larceny for the alleged theft of $18,000 worth of timber from private property in the town of Gilboa in the winter and spring of 2006.

- Third-degree criminal possession of stolen property for the alleged possession of a log skidder which was stolen from the Meltz Lumber yard in Hudson in the fall of 2005.

- First-degree scheme to defraud for allegedly stealing timber or paying less than the value of harvested timber to seven different landowners in Schoharie and Delaware counties between 2004 and 2007.

The charges stem from a two-year investigation conducted by DEC Investigator Michael Dangler. The exact value of the stolen timber is unknown, DEC officials said, because not all victims have had timber surveys completed. However, the value of the stolen timber is estimated to be in the thousands of dollars.

Maxim was arraigned in Town Court and was released on his own recognizance. If convicted, Maxim faces as many as 18 years in prison and fines of as much as $15,000 or double the amount of gain from the alleged crimes.