KENTWOOD, Mich.—Police believe a Grand Rapids man accused of stealing fuel from a truck may be responsible for dozens of similar thefts in two counties.

Jeffrey James-Lee Pardee is charged with receiving and concealing $20,000 or more of stolen property in Grand Rapids, malicious destruction of property over $1,000 in Kentwood, and two counts of larceny under $200 in Kentwood.  He’s also charged with being a habitual offender.

Police arrested Pardee around 1 a.m. Friday, March 14 at a business in the 3800 block of East Paris SE.  Officers say he was stealing a large quantity of diesel fuel from a truck, draining the fuel into large holding tanks in his van.  Officers say he also stole fuel from a  vehicle in the 4600 block of 44th Street SE.  When detectives searched Pardee’s home, they also recovered a large quantity of stolen property from two burglaries.

Wyoming, Kentwood and Grand Rapids city leaders will hold a special meeting Thursday, July 18 to consider moving forward with a proposal to consolidate police and fire services.

Council and commission members from all three cities will review ICMA Consulting Service’s study and recommendations about consolidation.  The report’s executive summary concludes consolidation is the best alternative to improve service and save more than $13 million annually.  It also recommends:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            CONTACT:

Adrienne Brown

Public Relations & Event Manager

616-235-4726 ex. 204

abrown@grcm.org