Detroit Public Lighting Worker 'Went To Town' With Stolen City-Issued Credit Card, Authorities Say
DETROIT (WWJ) - A former city of Detroit public lighting employee has been charged with nine felonies after prosecutors say he stole a city-issued credit card and charged more than $4,000 in personal items.
It's also alleged that 38-year-old Rudolph Washington, of Brownstown Township, stole equipment from the lighting department.
Detroit Inspector General James Heath says Washington used the card between April and July at restaurants, and also to buy gas and stereo equipment.
"This is not a case when individual cards are given to employees," Heath told WWJ Newsradio 950's Stephanie Davis. "It's one card per department that Mr. Washington got his hands on and went to town with, I should say; and that was how he obtained these items fraudulently."
Heath said he was tipped-off by the Finance department that noticed the irregularity during its monthly audit.
"We began an investigation and involved the Detroit Police Department, and it ended with charges against Mr. Washington that came down just yesterday," Heath said.
Here's a rundown of the charges as outlined by the Wayne County Prosecutor's office:
Count 1: Embezzlement - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
Count 2: Larceny by Conversion - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
Count 3: Larceny - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
Count 4: Stolen Property – Receiving & Concealing $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
Count 5: Stolen Property - Receiving & Concealing $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.
Count 6: Larceny in a Building.
Count 7: Financial Transaction Device – Stealing/Retaining without consent.
Count 8: Financial Transaction Device – Illegal Sale/Use.
Count 9: Financial Transaction Device – Possession.
In a statement, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, said Washington's alleged actions were "a direct contributor" to a problem that the city has been struggling to fix for years.
"The lack of working streetlights resulting in dark neighborhood streets and heightened crime has long been a serious condition for Detroiters," Worthy said.
Washington resigned his position with the DPL last month. He is scheduled to be arraigned in 36th District Court on Thursday.
