The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office charged a retired county employee with theft by taking Tuesday after he allegedly stole tools while working as the county’s recreation maintenance supervisor, according to a sheriff’s news release Wednesday.

Deputies charged James Allison Smith Sr., 60, of Forsyth with one count of theft by taking tools that are valued at more than $5,000. According to the news release, county employees witnessed Smith taking the items and informed the county commissioners’ office, which turned the investigation over to the sheriff’s office.

Smith was out of jail on bond Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (478) 994-7043.