The foreman of the Guilford Transfer Station and an employee have been arrested, accused of taking more than $4,000 in cash from town dump.
Frank Cole, 56, the foreman who has worked at the transfer station for 17 years, and Philip Hunt, 41, a 15-year employee of the transfer station, have been charged with second-degree larceny.
Cole is the primary employee who handles the cash, checks and transfer station deposits, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.
Police began investigating in January when a resident approached the First Selectman and reported having "reliable information" that some employees of the Guilford/Madison transfer station were pocketing money, according to a news release from the First Selectman's office.
State police provided surveillance equipment in February, but the surveillance was haulted for a brief time after a fire at the transfer station in March, the affidavit says, and two cameras were added in April.
Police said Hunt was seen taking cash from the register and throwing away weigh ticket receipts.
Cole and Hunt were arrested on Monday night.
Cole was released on a $50,000 bond and will be arraigned May 7. His attorney said Cole is a honest, good guy.
Hunt was held on a $50,000 bond and arraigned on Tuesday in New Haven, when he was released on a promise to appear.
Officials said prior charges have been filed against Hunt. In 1993, a risk of injury charge was filed. Other charges were filed in 1997. It is not clear what those were for.
The transfer station policy has been changed as a result of the case and cash will not be accepted at the transfer station, effective May 6. Other forms of payment will be accepted.
The Public Works Department and the Finance Department are performing transfer station operations.