City solves gas shortage, arrests one of its own

A City of Gaffney park ranger resigned Tuesday in the wake of his arrest for siphoning gas from a city truck.

Gaffney Police Det. Lt. Ron Ramsey said the city's Public Works Department had recently reported fuel missing from some of its trucks and an investigation was launched.

On Friday, Ramsey said a covert surveillance camera was set up at the Public Works Department and city park ranger Wash Gene Wilkins, 60, allegedly was captured on video siphoning gas Friday evening.

Wilkins was charged in an arrest warrant with larceny totaling less than $1,000. Cherokee County Detention Center records show he was booked on the charge at 1:35 p.m. on Monday and was released at 5:45 p.m.

Wilkins' telephone number is not listed.

City Administrator James Taylor confirmed Wilkins resigned effective Tuesday.

The Public Works Department had filed a police report just last week about missing fuel. Ramsey said the city trucks basically are topped off every night so city workers start each day with a full tank. Recently, some employees noticed their tanks were a little light.

Wilkins had been serving as a park ranger since July 2007. The park rangers are responsible for enforcing city park rules, overseeing the facilities and keeping them maintained.