July 02, 2009

Lake Wales Fleet Employee Allegedly Misuses City Funds

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CANCEL

LAKES WALES, FL - Jerry "JT" Torrance, assistant to City Manager Tony Otte, allegedly used city money to purchase a battery for his personal boat, according to several local news outlets.

Torrance, responsible for managing the city's Fleet, Purchasing and Streets Divisions, is allegedly accused of using city money to buy a $70.44 marine battery for his boat, according to The Ledger.

Torrance's role was to provide operational support to the city manager and serve as emergency manager. The position also supervises purchasing, inventory, fleet maintenance and streets division, and coordinates the accomplishment of the city's five-year Capital Improvements Plan, according to the Lake Wales News.

Police told Lake Wales News Torrance had a work order created to replace the battery in his city-owned vehicle. He then apparently went to the NAPA Auto Parts Store in Lake Wales where he obtained a marine battery rather than an automotive battery, police allege.

Torrance resigned June 29, reported the Ledger.

Torrance will be charged with petty theft, according to The Ledger, Lake Wales News, and NewsChief.com.