STEPHENVILLE (September 20, 2018) – On September 20, the Stephenville Police Department arrested Stephen Apala, a captain with the Stephenville Fire Department. Apala was arrested after an arrest warrant for theft of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 by a public servant was issued.
On Thursday, September 13, Stephenville PD was contacted by officials from Stephenville City Hall in reference to irregularities with credit card statements that were turned in by Apala from his city-issued credit card.
The police department began an investigation and after reviewing the credit card statement that caused concern with irregularities a criminal investigation was initiated. Apala was placed on administrative leave from the City of Stephenville on Friday, September 14.
After reviewing and examining city credit card statements turned in by Apala from the last four years, investigators identified approximately $43,000 in fraudulent transactions which were personal in nature and could not have related to authorized city business or transactions made for the benefit of the city.
Apala was arrested without incident at the Stephenville Fire Department and transported to the Erath County Jail.
In a release from the city of Stephenville, officials say “the city is saddened by the alleged actions of Fire Captain Steven Apala. It appears Mr. Apala made a choice to betray the trust placed in him by the community, the city of Stephenville as an organization, and the Stephenville Fire Department. When this alleged incident was discovered, the Stephenville Police Department was brought in to investigate
immediately. While it appears that the alleged actions of Mr. Apala have been going on for quite some
time, recently red flags were raised and his credit card account was monitored. When additional
questions were raised, an audit of his account was made and it was determined there were questionable charges being made. Mr. Apala has been placed on administrative leave.”
City Administrator Allen Barnes said, “About eighteen months ago our Finance Director Monica
Harris enacted internal controls on all aspects of the City’s finances. Employees in Ms. Harris’
department noticed some questionable activity with a recent credit card statement and after
examination of credit card statements notified appropriate city officials of the suspected activity.”
Internal Controls are in place to ensure the safety and security of the public’s finances. Barnes said
that it is heartbreaking to think that a member of our team would potentially forsake the trust of the
public. “We as public employees have no greater responsibility than safeguarding our resident’s hard
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