The superintendent of the Grafton Municipal Utilities Electrical Department illegally sold used wire and power transformers, costing the city $10,400 between the theft and misappropriation of resources, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.
Brent Adam McMillan, 48, is facing a Class B felony charge of misapplication of entrusted property in Walsh County District Court.
According to the complaint, McMillan told authorities Wednesday that he approved the sale of used wire to a Grand Forks company three times, splitting the proceeds with employees.
The transactions totaled $5,100 and the complaint estimated McMillan misappropriated another $1,000 in use of Grafton city vehicles, trailers, gasoline and employees' work time to make the sales.
The complaint said McMillan admitted to selling 30 to 40 used power transformers to T&R Electric out of Colman, S.D., over the last five years, pocketing the proceeds.
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McMillan said he sold 12 or 13 transformers last winter to T&R Electric for $2,200, one of three sales he made in total. He told authorities $2,100 of the cash from the most recent sale was in his locker at the utilities shop, but investigators found $1,850 in the locker.
The complaint alleges the total amount McMillan received at $3,900 and another $400 in misappropriations.
Three Grafton Municipal Utilities Electrical Department employees also have been charged in connection with the thefts.
Russell W. Geddes Jr., 45, Kelly R. Laskowske, 48, and Brady George Strom, 28, are each charged with conspiracy to commit theft of property, a Class C felony.
Class B felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Class C felonies carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Reach Bieri at (701) 780-1118; (800) 477-6572, ext. 118; or send email to cbieri@gfherald.com .
