A former contract employee for the city of Lakeland has been charged with theft for stealing – and then pawning – several items from the city.

Shane Jacks, 43, of Lakeland, a former employee of People Service, the company that operates the city’s water treatment plant and also provides public works-related services, has been charged with theft in Washington County District Court.

Jacks allegedly stole three chainsaws, two trimmers and a leaf blower, with a total value of over $2,180, from a city building on June 10. It was determined that Jack had pawned several of the missing items.

Officials were able to identify Jacks by surveillance video and his Minnesota driver’s license. The pawned items, with serial numbers that matched items missing from the city, totaled $1,410, according to the criminal complaint.

City officials confirmed that Jacks had access to the public works building, but did not have permission to take or pawn the property, the complaint states.

“We are disappointed with the behavior and activities of (Jacks),” Mayor Bob Craggs said Tuesday. “Upon begin made aware of this, People Service immediately terminated the employee and notified the council. We have worked with People Service to address the accusations of defrauding the city, and they have actively recruited someone to replace Mr. Jacks.”

Lakeland “is doing what it can to make itself whole as it relates to the loss of any equipment,” he added.

Jacks’ first court appearance will be 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

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