A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a city official believed to have stolen more than $8,000 in payments intended for city use.
A tip from another city employee led Bloomington police to an investigation of Derek Neff, 37, former director of street operations.
Bloomington Police Department Detective Sgt. John Kovach said Neff allegedly stole $8,296.55 by scrapping metal at J B's Salvage Inc., 1803 W. Vernal Pike, and keeping the proceeds.
Neff faces preliminary felony charges of theft.
Kovach said Neff is believed to have capitalized on more than 52,770 pounds of aluminum, steel and iron that belonged to the city.
When questioned by BPD Detective Jason Shaevitz, Neff claimed the money was being used as credit for future use with various vendors.
He was unable to provide documentation to corroborate the claim, Kovach said, yet he maintains his innocence.
Items might have included but are not limited to light posts, street signs and various scrap metal.The city's human resources department confirmed Neff is no longer employed by the city.
Neff oversaw the street department’s 38 employees and helped spearhead its various projects.
— Michael Majchrowicz
