FARMINGTON — A former Public Works director and road commissioner for the town of Kingfield pleaded guilty Tuesday to taking tractor parts and diesel fuel from the town.
Bruce White, 52, of Kingfield paid restitution of $612.65 to the town through the District Attorney’s Office after his District Court appearance.
Judge Patrick Ende also ordered White to pay a $500 fine plus surcharges.
Franklin County sheriff’s Detective Kenneth Charles had issued White a summons in October on a felony charge of theft after an investigation was conducted.
The felony was lowered to a misdemeanor charge after White returned some parts to the town.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from Kingfield officials Aug. 26 about possible theft by an employee, Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. said in October.
The theft included parts purchased for White’s personal tractor, which was the same make and model of the town’s tractor, as well as diesel fuel for personal use.
Charles conducted an “exhaustive investigation” which included interviewing vendors who supplied the town with tractor parts as well as interviewing White, Nichols had said.
During the interview, it was learned that White had taken on average of 10 to 15 gallons per week of diesel fuel and over $700 worth of tractor parts for a total value of $1,136, he said.
White was “forthcoming, cooperative and apologetic regarding his behavior,” according to Nichols.
White told Judge Patrick Ende on Tuesday that he would pay his fine and restitution in full by the end of the day.
dperry@sunmediagroup.net
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