BANGOR – As investigators near completion of an inquiry into possible criminal activity by a former Bangor police officer, an official acknowledged Wednesday that a second officer has resigned from the department.

Bangor Police Chief Don Winslow confirmed the resignation of Officer Brad Hanson last Friday was related to the investigation, but said that Hanson was not suspected of any criminal activity.

“His resignation was not because he was involved in criminal conduct,” Winslow said Wednesday.

Hanson, who joined the Bangor police force in February 2001, is not listed in the telephone book and could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues into allegations that Bangor police Officer Josh Ouellette committed misdemeanor property crimes more than a year ago. Winslow said that the internal investigation is nearing completion.

Ouellette had been put on paid administrative leave Sept. 18 and resigned from the Police Department two days later before an internal investigation was completed, Winslow has said. Ouellette had been an officer with Bangor since August 2002.

Asked whether other officers may be implicated in the incident, Winslow said, “As far as criminal conduct goes, I think this has gone as deep as it can go.”

Winslow said no other officers had resigned in connection with the case.

The department learned of the possible criminal activity as part of a background check that Ouellette underwent when he applied for a job at another law enforcement agency, Winslow said. The information came out during an interview with the other agency.

As soon as the Bangor department learned of the information, Ouellette was placed on paid administrative leave, the police chief said.

The hiring process for law enforcement officers includes an extensive background check that includes criminal history checks, interviews and polygraph tests.

The alleged activity was described as two misdemeanor property crimes that occurred more than a year ago. Winslow said it wasn’t clear whether the alleged crimes occurred while Ouellette was on duty or off. Still he said he is taking a hard line on the matter.

Class E property crimes generally include a number of theft charges as well as receiving stolen property, Penobscot County Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts said last week. Roberts said he had been apprised of the case but didn’t know specific details.

The charges each carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail, a $500 fine or both, Roberts said.