A Galveston Park Board employee is facing theft charges after allegedly overcharging a visitor at Stewart Beach. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was part of a broader pattern of misconduct.
City officials confirmed on Tuesday that an 18-year-old employee of the Galveston Park Board has been arrested and charged with theft. The arrest follows allegations that the employee overcharged a visitor for parking at Stewart Beach.
In a recent development, Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli has reported that Luke Perez, a gate attendant at the well-frequented beach park, stands accused of utilizing a personal device to charge a customer $30 for a parking pass that is normally priced at $15, thereby allegedly keeping the excess amount for himself.
On Monday night, a customer brought attention to the issue after noticing a discrepancy and subsequently sought a refund from park officials. Authorities received reports of the situation early Tuesday morning.
Chief Balli reported that investigators swiftly secured a Class C misdemeanor warrant for theft involving less than $50, leading to the arrest of Perez on the very same day. “We had to make sure it ended today,” Balli remarked, highlighting that the fraudulent charge took place only days prior.
Officials are currently examining the possibility that additional comparable incidents might have taken place. “Authorities are looking into the possibility of additional occurrences,” Balli stated.
The Galveston Park Board of Trustees, responsible for managing the city's beach activities, conveyed their disappointment and highlighted their commitment to collaborating with the ongoing investigation.
“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the reported issues surrounding the handling of credit card transactions by a gate attendant at the Park Board,” stated Marty Miles, interim CEO of the Park Board. “We consider this to be an isolated incident. Upon being informed, we promptly contacted the Galveston Police Department, which has since initiated an investigation.”
The Park Board oversees entry to a number of popular public beaches in Galveston, such as Stewart Beach and East Beach, where parking fees are usually collected by gate attendants during the busy season. Stewart Beach stands out as a prime destination on the island, particularly bustling with activity during summer weekends, attracting a vibrant mix of tourists and locals alike.
The charge against Perez, though classified as a misdemeanor, is being approached with utmost seriousness by both the Park Board and law enforcement. This heightened attention stems from the involvement of public funds and the critical issue of trust at stake.
Authorities urged guests to meticulously verify their receipts and to promptly report any suspected discrepancies in parking fees or payments to the Park Board or local law enforcement.
