The manager of fleet vehicles for Sarpy County has been charged with felony theft.
Channel Six News has learned that Patrick Clarke is accused of using a county gas card to pump $750 worth of fuel into his personal vehicle. It's also alleged that Clarke ordered mechanics' tools for the county in sets of two; one tool for the county and the other for him. The tool purchases amounted to $800.
County administrator Mark Wayne said he believed the tools Clarke kept had been returned.
Clarke worked his way up through the ranks in the county after starting as a mechanic in 1977. He now faces a class three felony of theft by unlawful taking of more than $1,500. His first court appearance is scheduled for late October.
Clarke has been on paid administrative leave since being cited by Sheriff’s investigators last week. The county administrator said the firing process has begun.
It’s alleged the gas and tool thefts occurred over several months from May 2011 to September 1, 2012.
