The Baltimore City Office of Inspector General engaged in an investigation involving the handling of valuable scrap metal by the City. During the course of that effort items were marked for future identification. On 11/02/2011 Mr. Hearley Bruce, a former Department of Public Works employee, removed the items from City property without approval and later sold them to a scrap dealer for personal gain.

Further investigation revealed that a total of 20 transactions had occurred between 06/14/2011 and 11/02/2011 believed to have involved the sale of City property. Further, the sales had been conducted during working hours. The matter was referred to the Baltimore City Police who investigated further and charged Mr. Bruce with several counts of theft and a theft scheme.

On 02/14/2012 Mr. Bruce received Probation Before Judgment and was ordered to repay the City in the amount of $1900. Mr. Bruce is no longer employed by the City of Baltimore. See District Court file# 0B02141349.