WINTERTHUR, Del.- Delaware State Police say they have charged a former employee at Winterthur Museum with stealing more than $128,000 after he allegedly used a company credit card and bought items for his own use.

Fifty-four-year-old Julian E. Leager Jr. of Wilmington surrendered to state police on Monday. He was charged with theft over $100,000 (felony), six counts of unlawful use of a credit card (felony) and falsifying Business Records (felony). He was released after posting a $16,500 secured bond.

Troopers say after an audit showed suspicious purchased, detectives began an investigation last month.

Officials say Leager, who was facilities group supervisor, was allowed to make purchases for Winterthur. But troopers say Leager bought items for himself and altered company records. The loss, over a 5-year period, was estimated to be $128,3810.

Authorities say that armed with this information, Winterthur personnel presented their findings to DSP detectives.  They also terminated Leager’s employment.
 
Last week, detectives executed a search warrant at Leager’s home. Police say that recovered items included, but were not limited to, flat screen televisions, a digital camera, computer equipment and two ATVs.