The former parks superintendent for Rumford, Maine pleaded guilty to theft Wednesday in Oxford County Superior Court.
Timothy Gallant, 53, of Roxbury admitted selling the town's mechanical turf aerator in July 2007 while he was serving as parks superintendent. The town had recently purchased a new aerator for $3,500. Gallant, a former Roxbury selectman who had also worked for the town of Dixfield, sold the old machine for $1,500 and kept the money.
According to Oxford County District Attorney's Office, Rumford Town Manager Carlo Puiia noticed something unusual when looking through town logs and took the case to the Rumford Police Department.
Capt. Daniel Garbarini investigated and found the buyer as well as the intermediate dealer. He found that Gallant had never documented the sale. Garbarini approached Gallant, who admitted he sold the machine.
Gallant was indicted on a charge of Class C theft in April 2010 and in May entered a not guilty plea.
On Wednesday, Gallant made a deal for a deferred disposition, where for 12 months he must pay $20 per month and stay out of legal trouble. He is also required to pay $3,500 in restitution to the town of Rumford.
If Gallant adheres to the conditions for the next year, the charge will drop to Class D theft and he will be fined $400. If he violates the conditions, he'll be found guilty of Class C theft, which carries a penalty of up to five years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Gallant served as the Rumford parks superintendent from May 2007 to December 2009.