LAKE LINDEN, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Lake Linden man is facing multiple charges for allegedly stealing gasoline from the Department of Public Works for years.
After an investigation, 71-year-old Ronald Schmitt was arraigned on Wednesday. It was revealed Schmitt had been using a key fob meant for fueling department vehicles on his own vehicle since he retired 12 years ago. It’s estimated he stole around $28,000 worth of gasoline over that time.
Michigan State Police were able to catch Schmitt using the key fob.
The charges he faces only reflect the past six years due to statute of limitation restrictions. He faces one count of using a computer to commit a crime, one count of larceny greater than $1,000 but less than $20,000, and one count of stealing or retaining a financial transaction device.
Schmitt was granted a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and is due back in court on February 3.
