Propane Theft

Hi Forum,



The following is an interesting story. It can be done:



Mt. Vernon Register-News


June 29, 2010

Propane theft case to be reviewed


By TESA CULLI
tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — After being turned down by the Illinois Attorney General, Jefferson County State’s Attorney Jeff Bradley has turned to Wabash County State’s Attorney Cassandra Goldman to review and decide whether criminal charges should be filed in the alleged theft of propane at the Jefferson County Highway Department.

No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, which happened on Feb. 11, in which Jefferson County Sheriff Detective Capt. Scott Burge discovered the gate at the highway department was unlocked when he went to fuel a squad car. According to police reports, Burge heard a humming sound of propane leaking into the air from a 100 pound propane tank near the main base tank, then heard a sound of someone moving in a pole barn and went to investigate. Reports indicate highway department employee Donald Friar was discovered by Burge lying on a flat panel of an asphalt machine, and Friar allegedly told Burge he didn’t know why he was hiding, and came to the department to get some tools and heard the propane tank on. Burge then located a modified five gallon propane tank with a brass fitting to adapt it to the fitting of the main base tank, reports state.

The Illinois State Police were called to the scene, and initially took Friar into custody for theft. The ISP report states Friar told troopers he used the propane to get his wood stove going at home, and when he couldn’t stop the 100 pound tank from leaking, was going to stay near it until it emptied to be sure a fire didn’t start. Friar also allegedly told troopers the highway department allowed him to fill his personal 30 pound tank — a claim which was verified by Highway Engineer Steve Schnake after speaking with Foreman Jim Wiggins, according to ISP reports and statements.

Bradley forwarded his information to the Attorney General’s office shortly after the incident, citing Friar’s employment with the county as a conflict of interest. However, the AG’s office returned all reports, including the ISP report, to Bradley after determining no conflict of interest. Bradley said he was still waiting on additional information from the ISP at that time, and stated he needed the additional information to make a decision on whether charges would be forthcoming.

According to Bradley, Goldman’s formal appointment as special prosecutor will be made this week, and she should be in possession of all reports by the end of this week.

No charges have been filed at this time against Friar in connection with the incident, and Jefferson County Board Chairman Ted Buck has previously said the county will determine if any action should be taken on its part in relation to the allegations.

Hi Mike,

Basically, there has been talk of this happening and some shady stuff going on in my area. I filled this tank very recently and know my usage levels very well. This is theft! Tapping these things is not hard. I'm sure this is what happened. I just want to know if others are experiencing it and if CV Police are aware. I stupidly had not padlocked my tank.

Paul, What happened?

Hi Forum,

I'm angry. I am persuaded that I have been the victim of propane theft from my tank -- not a small amount either. Has there been a rash of propane theft going on lately?