Phil Trzop Boone County Sheriff's Office

(Boone County, Ky.) - The manager of the Boone County Water District has been suspended without pay following his arrest last week.

Phil Trzop is facing felony charges for allegedly selling scrap metal that belonged to the water district, then keeping part of the money for himself. The metal had been left over from water line repairs.

More than $30,000 in scrap metal was sold in the past three years. Investigators allege Trzop used much of the money to pay water district employees Christmas bonuses. When questioned, Trzop allegedly confessed to keeping some of the money – up to $10,000 – to himself.

The Boone County Water District Board had an emergency meeting Saturday where members voted to suspend Trzop and appoint an interim general manager.

Trzop, 62, is also the Mayor of Walton, taking office just four days before his arrest to fill the previously vacant mayor's office. His time in office could be abbreviated. The Walton city attorney said Trzop could potentially be removed as mayor if he is convicted.  

Trzop has bonded out of jail. He is charged with Abuse of Public Trust, a Class C felony in Kentucky.

LINKS:

Walton Mayor Arrested For Abuse Of Public Trust