AUSTIN, Texas — A former Austin Public Library employee has been arrested on suspicion of stealing at least $1.3 million in printer toner over a 12-year period.
Randall Whited, a former accounting associate, is accused of using library-issued credit cards to purchase the toner between October 2007 and July 2019, which he then is accused of selling online, KEYE-TV reported.
The theft, uncovered by the Office of the Austin City Auditor, also included roughly $15,000 worth of electronics, such as video games, virtual reality headsets, robotic vacuums and a drone from a big-box retailer.
According to KXAN, the report states the library’s “poor practices and procedures provided an opportunity to Whited to steal from the city during his tenure” because he was allowed to approve his own purchases and received subpar oversight from his supervisors.
Usage information indicates that the library would have needed no more than $150,000 worth of toner during the time the scheme was executed, KEYE-TV reported.
According to court records, Whited has five prior arrests for theft and burglary, KXAN reported.
Click here to view the city auditor’s complete report.
Cox Media Group
