Police arrested 44-year-old University Parking and Transportation employee Ronald Gene Woodson yesterday after observing him removing change from a University parking meter without authorization, according to University Police Capt. Michael Coleman.
Woodson, a Charlottesville resident, was arrested for embezzlement by a government employee, which is a Class IV felony. If convicted, he could face two to 10 years in prison.
Coleman said police had received a report that some University parking meters were not returning enough money.
The police then staked out the Culbreth Theater parking lot and observed Woodson emptying coins from parking meters without permission at 7:50 a.m.
Police picked him up and took him to the Charlottesville-Albemarle Joint Security Complex, where they arrested him. Woodson was in possession of approximately $111 in change at the time of the arrest.
Coleman said Woodson may have stolen more than $111 during his employment but declined to speculate about specific amounts at this time.
Coleman said he was charged with embezzlement - not larceny, a misdemeanor - because he is an employee entrusted with keys to the parking meters.
University Director of Parking and Transportation Albert Whalley declined to comment on the incident.
Woodson could not be reached for comment.
Woodson is scheduled to appear in Albemarle County General District Court April 20.
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