Meter made: City employee accused of stealing coins
Arizona Coin Collector
After reading this story, I wonder how hard this type of
job could really be? I will check with the city of Phoenix
to see if they are looking for someone to collect parking
meter coins.
I wonder if this person read the story of the other guy
who stole from parking meters?
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FROM:
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1157485467/Meter-made-City-employee-accused-of-stealing-coins
Meter made: City employee accused of stealing coins
By John Moss
Herald News Staff Reporter
Posted Oct 16, 2008 @ 08:07 PM
Fall River - A city employee was arrested at his home Thursday
and charged with stealing coins from municipal meters.
Lawrence Fonseca, 31, of 96 Newport St., a worker in the
Department of Community Maintenance/Traffic Division, is
charged with larceny more than $250.
Mayor Robert Correia said the Police Department's Major Crimes
Division received an anonymous call several weeks ago
regarding Fonseca's alleged thefts.
Detective Sgt. Armand Ouellette and Detective Anthony Elumba
conducted surveillance operations of Fonseca's routine and
"observed him in what may be considered suspicious activity
during working hours," Correia stated.
On Thursday, Ouellette, Elumba and Detective John McDonald
approached Fonseca at his home and found a large,
undetermined amount of coins in his possession, the mayor
said.
Police are continuing to investigate the case.
"While I am extremely distressed with the situation, this
is an isolated case and is not a reflection on other
law-abiding municipal employees," Correia said. "The
suspicious activity was brought to the city's attention
and immediate action has been taken."
As a precautionary measure, Correia said coins were
collected Thursday from all parking meters to ensure
that no additional money is lost.
"In addition, I have initiated action, which will create
a better system of checks and balances to include tighter
internal controls of this operation, allowing us to keep
honest people honest," he added.
The mayor said that since Fonseca, who has worked for the
city since 1995, is a bonded employee, "there is a
likelihood of recovering the funds."
The Department of Administrative Services/Human Resources
Division and the Department of Community
Maintenance/Traffic Division will work with police to
"handle this situation and to ensure the city's assets are
protected," Correia said.
E-mail John Moss at jm...@heraldnews.com.
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