A Loyd Star volunteer firefighter was taken to jail Mondaymorning on charges that he allegedly embezzled fire departmentfunds in the form of gasoline.

Lincoln County Fire Coordinator Clifford Galey said Ben Smith, 20,of 2117 Tampa Trail, was caught allegedly using the department’sgasoline card to put gas in his personal vehicle. It appears tohave gone on for at least a few months, Galey said.

Galey said part of what led to Smith’s detection was that firetrucks use diesel fuel. The statement from R.B. Wall showed quite abit more gasoline usage than usual.

“But every department has something that uses gas,” said Galey,referring to things like generators, chainsaws and components ofthe brush truck.

Loyd Star Fire Department President Kirk Douglas said departmentpersonnel had begun watching the amount of fuel used, hoping thatwhat they were looking at was not misuse of department funds.

But officials said Smith’s usage went well beyond the normal amountspent on gas in the time frame, which is being investigated.

“It was reported to us late last week that this was going on, andthrough investigation between us and the fire department, it wasdetermined that he was the one doing it,” said Lincoln CountySheriff Steve Rushing Tuesday. “Based on the information we gotover the weekend, we were able to make an arrest yesterday.”

Galey said Smith was charged with embezzlement of upward of $500.The arrest fell on the same day that former New Sight VolunteerFire Chief Mike Boyd pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from hisdepartment over a two-year period.

“We’re in the process now of looking at an accountability systemand how to better monitor it,” Galey said.