ROCHESTER — Police arrested a member of the city's Planning Board this week on a Class A felony charge of insurance fraud alleging he made a false burglary report in 2004.
Eugene McCarthy Jr., 44, of 95 England Road in Gonic was arrested Thursday. Police are charging him with insurance fraud for allegedly filing a false burglary report and insurance claim in 2004.
Sgt. Anthony Deluca said McCarthy filed a claim reporting someone had broken into his home and stolen numerous items valued at approximately $8,000. The most expensive items reported stolen were two Rolex watches.
Deluca could not comment extensively on how police were able to charge McCarthy with insurance fraud five years after it allegedly occurred, saying he did not want to comment on the investigation. Police do have the two watches, which contributed to the arrest, Deluca said.
"We have the Rolexes, I can tell you that much," Deluca said.
Planning Director Kenn Ortmann was surprised by the news about McCarthy, who he described as a "valuable member" of the Planning Board.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Ortmann said.
McCarthy is a regular member of the board. His term expires on Jan. 2, 2011.
The City Council appoints the board's members. Ortmann said there are no qualifications for the Planning Board regarding a police background check and nothing to suggest that McCarthy would be removed from the board because of these charges, which have nothing to do with his duties to the city.
"At least in the immediate future it is up to him," Ortmann said. "I don't know what his intentions are."
McCarthy did not return a message left at his home Friday afternoon.
Ortmann said the City Council does have the authority to remove members of the Planning Board, but it has never happened to his knowledge and does not know how that would happen.
City Manager John Scruton declined to comment on the situation Friday.
"Without further details, I have no comment at this time," Scruton said in an e-mail.
Police said McCarthy's bail was set at $5,000 personal recognizance. Court documents indicate he is scheduled for arraignment on June 15.
