SPRINGDALE — A mechanic at the Springdale Fire Department has been arrested in connection with charging automobile parts to the department that were used on personal vehicles.
Ted Ball, 53, of 1643 Stable Ave. in Fayetteville was arrested Tuesday in connection with misdemeanor theft of property and falsifying business records.
The arrest came after a discrepancy was noticed by a department official, according to Jeff Harper, city attorney. Ball, who was hired in March 2003, was earning a $40,000 annual salary, according to city records. He was fired Tuesday immediately before his arrest, Harper said.
Ball admitted to getting items from a parts store, charging the purchase to the department and installing them on his son’s vehicle, according to an affidavit for a warrant arrest.
Ball admitted to changing records on the city computer system to conceal his actions, according to the affidavit.
The investigation by Sgt. Ed Motsinger determined the practice has been going on for three years and cost the city $1,154, according to the arrest warrant.
Ball was released Tuesday from the city jail on $1,750 bond.