FORT MCCOY, FL - Sheriff's deputies have arrested the Marion County fleet manager - who was fired on Tuesday - on alleged charges of stealing more than $9,000 worth of items from the county, including 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel, according to www.ocala.com.
William Roger Walters, 59, was arrested Friday at his home and charged with alleged grand theft.
Walters, who worked for the county for 10 years, was the head of Fleet Management for three years. His salary was approximately $64,000. He managed 15 employees in the department, which has an overall budget of $6 million. The department maintains more than 800 vehicles, including cars and heavy equipment. Walters had no disciplinary actions on file.
Statements written by county employees and given to sheriff's detectives allege that Walters stole more than 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel, tires, a truck tool box with gas tank, brake kits, gas filters, gas hoses, a global positioning system, a 500-gallon fuel tank, and a Hobart Champion generator/welder. The items are valued at $9,131.
The investigation began Nov. 2 when Lawrence Thacker, Public Works Bureau Chief, contacted the Marion County Sheriff's Office and reportedly told them Walters was stealing diesel fuel and tires from the fleet management warehouse.
