Parking Meter Repairman Takes $170K a Coin at a Time

Man accused of stealing from broken parking meters

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A parking meter repairman stole more than $170,000 from the City of Alexandria very slowly and patiently, according to Alexandria police.

Authorities charged 61-year-old William J. Fell, of Stafford County, with two counts of embezzlement by a public officer.

Allegations against Fell -- a Transportation and Environmental Services employee -- surfaced earlier this year, and detectives determined that Fell was in fact taking money from parking meters while repairing them.

Police spokesman Jody Donaldson told the Washington Post the city suspected something was up because revenue from the meters was falling short.

"He'd take a little bit each time," Donaldson told the Post.

Fell could face additional charges.

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