Butler firefighter hid stolen auto parts in firehouse, cops say

BUTLER – A captain of the Butler Fire Department was charged with stealing auto parts from his workplace and hiding them in the firehouse, Butler police said.

Police first received information that there were “numerous boxes” of Ford auto parts stored at the Butler Firehouse on Carey Avenue on June 15, Lt. Michael Moeller said.

The person who tipped police about the boxes also suspected the auto parts may have been stolen from the Route 23 AutoMall by an employee, Moeller said.

Moeller and Det. Jarred Schmiedhauser then conducted an investigation along with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and on July 30, after speaking with witnesses, police searched the Butler Firehouse and surrounding structures on the property, Moeller said.

Police found boxes of unspecified Ford auto parts in a storage shed in the rear of the firehouse, and the owner and employees of Route 23 AutoMall confirmed a large quantity of parts were stolen from the business, Moeller said.

Police then arrested Brian S. Neill, 29, of Pompton Plains, an employee of the AutoMall and captain of the Butler Volunteer Fire Department at the time of the arrest, police said.

Neill was charged with theft of the auto parts, which were valued at $5,280, and receiving stolen property.

Neill was arrested, and his bail was set at $5,000 with a ten percent option, which he posted. He was released pending a court appearance.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Moeller at 973-838-4100.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com