FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A former Fort Lauderdale Public Works Department employee was arrested Thursday after an investigation found that he sold expensive tools and equipment for his own profit, police said.
Joseph Arena, 57, of Margate, faces 14 counts of dealing in stolen property and 11 counts of false ownership of pawned items. He also faces one count each of grand theft and official misconduct.
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An investigation began after the city discovered discrepancies in Arena's city-issued purchasing card, Fort Lauderdale police Detective Tracy Figone said. She said the investigation found that Arena had sold expensive tools and equipment owned by the city on several occasions.
"Our police department immediately launched this investigation when we were made aware of the allegations against Mr. Arena that ultimately resulted in his arrest," Mayor Jack Seiler said in a statement. "This demonstrates the city's ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of conduct throughout our organization and our commitment to take appropriate action when any wrongdoing is suspected."