Perryville releases names of employees investigated for property theft

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Perryville officials have released the names of six city workers investigated in connection to property theft that resulted in the firing of four employees, including the director of public works.

In closed session Feb. 21, city administrator Brent Buerck informed the board of aldermen that four employees allegedly took wire from a city facility to a recycling center in St. Louis "for personal profit." The value of the materials was estimated by Perryville police chief Keith Tarrillion to be $6,500 or more.

Public Works director Charles LaRose, along with Chris Favier, Kevin Buchheit and Jeremy Mantz of the Public Works Department were interviewed by Tarrillion the next day in an internal investigation started by the police department, according to closed session minutes.

At a city council meeting March 6, Buerck told city officials that the actions of four public works employees -- LaRose, Favier, James Thompson and Carl Davis -- warranted termination. Two other workers who had been suspended were returned to their positions. The city issued a news release March 1 announcing the firings but withheld the names of the employees.

According to meeting minutes, Buerck explained that "it was determined through the police department's investigation that the four employees who were dismissed appeared to be most involved in the incidents and their actions rose to the level of a potential felony."

City attorney Tom Ludwig advised Tarrillion to begin a criminal investigation, which is ongoing. Charges have not yet been filed.

Still pending is whether LaRose will be able to continue in his position as fire chief. Aldermen plan to decide that matter in their meeting today. Buerck told the board that the code of ordinances "allows the mayor to relieve the fire chief of his duties, and that the fire department's bylaws allows the firemen to vote on a new fire chief."

Favier has requested an appeal of his termination. The board of aldermen agreed to schedule a personnel hearing after the city's internal investigation has been completed.

The Southeast Missourian could not reach LaRose, Favier and Thompson for comment Monday afternoon. Davis declined to comment.

Phone and email messages to Tarrillion were not returned Monday.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

Perryville, MO