LAUGHLIN, NV – Two more Bullhead City Public Works employees have been charged by the Bullhead City Police Department in connection with a theft and fraud investigation. Recently Fleet Maintenance Superintendent James Simpson, 53, a two-year city employee, was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of alleged felony theft and fraudulent schemes, according to www.mohavedailynews.com.
Fleet Mechanic Michael Pallotto, 58, a one-year city employee, was cited and released for allegedly giving false information to law enforcement. This makes a total of four city employees charged in a theft investigation that was brought to the attention of city officials.
The investigation revealed the theft of auto parts, including tires, fuel system components, door lock components, and a vehicle cover. Some items have been recovered. Police investigators are still determining the full extent of the city’s loss. Currently, the estimated loss is valued at more than $3,000.
Immediately after learning of the allegations, and as they were implicated, the four employees were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Two other employees, Richard Ellis, 49, and Ronald Pizzie, 40, mechanics in the Fleet Maintenance Division, were cited and released on suspicion of misdemeanor theft recently; both have since resigned.
No other arrests are expected at this time. The case will be forwarded to the County Attorney’s Office for review. The city’s Human Resources Department is also investigating the matter.
