County employee arrested

By Miranda Mattheis | Dadeville Record

Published Thursday, August 21, 2008

Attorney General Troy King’s office announced Monday the arrest of a Tallapoosa County maintenance department employee for felony charges of ethics law violation and first-degree theft.

Michael A. Lucas, 50 of Alexander City, surrendered at the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s office and was released on a $30,000 bond.

King’s office presented evidence to a Tallapoosa County grand jury on July 30, resulting in Lucas’ indictment on Aug. 12. The indictment charges Lucas with two counts of first-degree theft of currency or checks valued at more than $2,500 that were the property of the Tallapoosa County Commission. He was also charged with one count of violating the ethics law by intentionally using his official position as a county employee for the unlawful personal gain of current or checks that were the property of the Tallapoosa County Commission.

“We have no comment at this time,” said Blake Beck, Tallapoosa County administrator.

Lucas faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000 for each of the three charges if convicted.

“Any time a public employee is accused of misuse of his or her public position, of theft of public funds, it is a sad and serious matter,” King said. “As Attorney General, I am committed to investigate such cases, and where evidence warrants, to prosecute on behalf of the citizens of Alabama.”