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Pendleton Highway superintendent arrested

Highway super allegedly used equipment at home
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Posted at 9:41 AM, Dec 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-06 16:18:08-05

LOCKPORT, NY (WKBW) — The Town of Pendleton Highway superintendent was arrested and charged for allegedly using equipment & employees for personal gain at his own home.

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Town of Pendleton Highway Department.

Niagara County Sheriff James R. Voutour announced the arrest of Jeffrey R. Stowell, 59, of the Town of Pendleton.

Stowell has been charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D Felony, three counts of Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor, and one count of Official Misconduct, a Class A Misdemeanor.

The arrest of Stowell followed an investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Authorities say Stowell is alleged to have used Town of Pendleton owned equipment and materials for his own personal work at his residence. Stowell is also accused of allegedly using Town of Pendleton employees to perform work his personal vehicles.

At the Pendletown Highway Department employees told 7 Eyewitness News Stowell was not available and they could not speak. They referred us Pendleton Town Supervisor Joel Maerten.

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Outside Pendleton Town Hall.

At town hall we were told the supervisor was not in and there was "no statement" on the charges against Stowell. There is no word if Stowell remains in office. We've left messages for Stowell, but there has been no response.

Sheriff Voutour declined an on-camera interview, but in a text message, the sheriff said "all the information" was in the news release and there is "not much more" he can say at this time.

According to the Sheriff, Town of Pendleton officials cooperated with law enforcement during this investigation.

Stowell was arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court and was released on his own recognizance. He will be back in court January 14th at 9 a.m.

An investigation by the Sheriff’s office continues.