By Shari Phiel
Berthoud Recorder

Berthoud Police arrested Greeley resident Carl Robert Scholtz, aka Carl Schlotz, on felony theft charges on Dec. 17, 2008. The arrest is based on thefts against a local fencing contractor that occurred over the past two years.

The charges stem from Scholtz’ employment at Custom Iron Fence and Gate, located in Berthoud. Business owner Alan Muirhead, who also owns the Bedder Bedliners location in Berthoud, discovered the missing funds while investigating missing checks, tools and computer equipment from an unrelated early December break-in.

Scholtz is alleged to have written out checks made payable to himself but then changed the company’s accounting records to hide the thefts. Muirhead discovered checks dating back to 2006, nearly the entire time Scholtz had worked for the company, which totaled more than $117,000.              

“This has really opened my eyes,” said Muirhead, who noted he will be much more involved in managing his company’s records going forward. Muirhead is also planning to pursue civil charges against his former employee. Muirhead plans to watch his employees more carefully in the future. “I really trusted him.”

Class 3 Felony theft charges of $20,000 or more have already been filed. Other felony charges including forgery, computer crime and criminal impersonation were included on the arrest warrant but have not been submitted by the Larimer County District Attorney’s office. Depending on the outcome of the felony theft charge, the additional charges could be filed at a later date.

Scholtz was released on a $100,000 bond on Dec. 19, 2008 after appearing before Judge Matthew Zehe at the Larimer County Court. He will appear in court again on Jan. 16 for an appearance of counsel.