Providence city employee charged in parking meter theft

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Providence city employee has been charged in parking meter theft. The Department of Public Works employee has been charged after investigators say he was caught stealing money from city parking meters.

Police launched an investigation when they received information suggesting someone had been taking coins from meters across the city.

Detectives eventually identified the suspect as 45-year-old Kristopher Stetson and arrested him after they say they observed him collect coins from multiple meters without authorization.

A search warrant executed at his home uncovered what police described as a large amount of coins. Court documents allege Stetson stole $453.16 from November 1 to November 8.

He is facing three counts each of embezzlement, larceny, and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Stetson was arraigned over the weekend and released on $2,500 surety bail.

He has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Providence city employee charged in parking meter theft