OWEN COUNTY, Ind. -- A county highway superintendent is facing charges after records show he used county time and money to purchase and deliver at least one large piece of equipment to his home.
County Highway Department Superintendent Joe Pettijohn was arrested Monday. He's charged with official misconduct and conflict of interest, both felonies, as well as two misdemeanor counts of theft.
The arrest follows a nearly four-month investigation by Indiana State Police into Pettijohn’s actions within the county agency.
Owen County Council President Jennifer Abrell became concerned about the purchase of a piece of equipment because the amount paid by the county and the actual cost were different.
The investigation found Pettijohn purchased a Gradall excavator from the City of Martinsville.
Pettijohn enlisted a county employee to transport the Gradall, on county time and using county equipment, to Pettijohn’s residence, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Pettijohn used a middleman to try to get the equipment out of his name.
The highway superintendent profited $4,697 from the purchase, records show.
Abrell released a statement to Call 6 Investigates following Pettijohn’s arrest:
"I am deeply saddened at the possibility that Owen County taxpayers have been defrauded. Know that the safeguarding and security of taxpayer monies are paramount to your Owen County Council,” said Abrell. “As president, I immediately contacted law enforcement when presented with information suggesting those monies had been misdirected. While still only allegations, I am optimistic that taxpayers will see justice in this matter. Rest assured that your Council members are serious about our duty as stewards of County funds."
Pettijohn is scheduled to be in Owen County court on October 13 at 10:30 am for an initial hearing.
Court records show he has not yet retained an attorney.
Call 6 Investigates was unable to reach Pettijohn for comment.
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