A full-time Columbus Public Works Department laborer was arrested Saturday night for using a city truck to steal from a building at the city landfill, according to a Columbus Police Department press release.
Kenneth J. Smith, 43, of 3266 Highway 69 S. in Columbus, was charged with petty larceny and burglary after a Columbus police officer found him at 72221 Armstrong Road landfill at 7:48 p.m.
Suspects are charged with petty larceny, a misdemeanor, when items or money taken is valued at less than $500; burglary is a felony.
A patrol officer was checking the city landfill when the officer noticed a vehicle parked outside the locked gate.
The officer called for a back-up unit and, while waiting for assistance, a city truck pulled up to the gate from inside the landfill.
Officers located a building at the landfill that had been entered and items taken, along with the city truck.
City employees can face termination for misuse, abuse or theft of city property, according to the city of Columbus employee handbook.
No bond or preliminary hearing has been set in the case.
Smith has worked for the city for 18 years.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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