JAY – A Jay man is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from Fabian Oil Co. on Main Street in Jay within the last two years.
Ronald J. Berard, 31, had worked at the gas station and handled money during the last few years, Police Chief Larry White Sr. said.
Jay police Detective Roderick Small arrested Berard Saturday night on a charge of felony theft by unauthorized taking/transfer, White said.
A substantial amount of cash was recovered, White said.
Berard, who since his arrest has been held at Franklin County jail in Farmington on $2,500 cash bail, made an initial appearance Monday in 12th District Court in Farmington.
Justice Joseph Jabar lowered the cash bail Monday to $500.
Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Andrew Robinson said he agreed to the bail reduction because Berard has connections to the community and wasn’t considered a flight risk.
White said Fabian Oil Co., which has headquarters in Oakland, alleges that Berard took more than $100,000 within the last two years, and provided information to Jay police on the case last week.
Small reviewed the company’s information and conducted an investigation before arresting Berard, White said.
According to a police affidavit filed in court, Berard provided police with a written confession. The document states that Berard confessed to stealing “well over $10,000 over the last six months.”
If Berard posts bail, he is to have no contact with his former employer or Fabian Oil Co. in Jay.
Jabar set a court date of April 6 in Farmington, unless the case is transferred to Franklin County Superior Court.
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