The deputy chief of police for the Bradenton Police Department is facing charges of petit theft.

The State Attorney's Office announced Thursday that Deputy Chief of Police Warren Merriman is facing three counts of petit theft stemming from allegations involving off-duty employment.

The allegations became public Sept. 8, when Merriman was placed on paid administrative leave with pay. Officials said Bradenton Police Chief Michael Radzilowski asked the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to investigate the allegations.

On Oct. 6, the sheriff's office forwarded the results of their investigation to the State Attorney's Office.  The State Attorney's Office announced its decision to file charges on Thursday.

According to our partners at the Bradenton Herald, Merriman is accused of filling out forms for payment for hours he did not work. The allegations involve three incidents, with the wages in question totalling a little over $300.

Merriman remains on leave. The Herald reports that Merriman, a 17-year veteran of the department, had a nearly spotless discipline record with only three traffic infractions.

The sheriff's office will continuing investigating to determine if any administrative policies and procedures were violated.