UPDATE (Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.): Eric Daniel Wilson, 36, of Covington, was arrested at Covington City Hall Friday afternoon following the internal investigation and police investigation into stolen copper wire, Covington Police Department Capt. Ken Malcom said.
Malcom said Wilson was taking different grades of copper wire from the city to a scrap yard and receiving funds in return.
"He indicated that he had not been doing this very long," Malcom said.
During his arrest, Wilson was found to be in possession of narcotics. Malcom said the drugs appeared to be methamphetamine and two other drugs in pill form.
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COVINGTON, Ga. – City of Covington electric department employee Eric Daniel Wilson was arrested Friday after stealing approximately $50,000 in construction materials.
According to a statement from City Manager Leigh Anne Knight, Wilson was charged with theft by taking and violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
“On Aug. 3, the City of Covington’s Safety/Risk Department was notified of apparent theft,” Knight said in the statement. “An internal investigation was promptly opened and results were given to the City of Covington Police Department where the city’s findings were confirmed. Effective today (Friday), Wilson is no longer a City of Covington employee.”
Wilson had been employed by the city for 10 years, Covington Public Relations Manager Trey Sanders told The Covington News.
“This saddens me on several levels,” Knight said. “However, I want to send a clear message to the community that we monitor employee behavior closely and will quickly act upon any uncertainties we have.
“It is our responsibility as public servants to be transparent and held accountable for our actions and while I am extremely disappointed in the employee arrested, I am particularly proud of the employees who had the courage to act on their suspicions.
“I would also like to think the Safety/Risk, Human Resources and Police departments for their diligent work in this matter.”
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The Covington News has reached out to the Covington Police Department and Newton County Sheriff’s Office for information and a mugshot related to this arrest. This story will be updated as information is received.
