Parks and Recreation employee charged with theft in Graves County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MAYFIELD, Ky., (KBSI) — A Mayfield–Graves County Parks and Recreation employee has been charged with theft following an internal investigation, according to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Jon Hayden said the Parks and Recreation Board requested the investigation after identifying suspicious purchases made by an employee using an assigned credit card. A review of records and interviews with the employee led to an arrest Friday afternoon.

Authorities said the employee made unlawful and unauthorized purchases totaling more than $1,000. The suspect, identified as Trent E. Blackwood, 38, of Graves County, cooperated with investigators.

Blackwood was charged with theft by unlawful taking over $1,000.

Authorities noted that charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.