Another Port Arthur city employee in a management position has been arrested, this one charged with selling city property.

According to a press statement issued by the city, following an investigation by the Port Arthur Police Department and Jefferson County District Attorney Bob Wortham’s office, Joseph Soliz, 55, was arrested Wednesday.

Soliz is the city’s water utilities distribution maintenance supervisor.

He is accused of stealing various metals owned by the City and selling the stolen property to a metal scrap yard in Beaumont.

Soliz has been charged with six counts of theft of public property by a public servant, a third degree felony offense.

Soliz surrendered and was arrested by Port Arthur police at his home.

Bond is set at $72,000.

According to a press statement issued by Jefferson County Criminal District Attorney Bob Wortham’s office, Soliz is believed to have sold almost 8 tons, or 16,000 pounds, of regulated metal and profited $26,000 during a seven-year period.

Soliz has other cases which are being investigated at this time.

City Manager Brian McDougal said until the charges are resolved, Soliz will be on unpaid administrative leave.

“We encourage the City’s employees and the public alike to follow the directive. If you see something, say something; also use the fraud hotline to report fraud activities,” McDougal said.

With Soliz’ arrest, eight Port Arthur city employees have been charged with public integrity crimes in a little more than a year. Two Port Arthur business owners have also been arrested in connection with the crimes.

City employees arrested include Steven R. Guidry, a supervisor in the city’s streets department charged with engaging in criminal activity and theft by a public servant; Randle David Jr., another streets supervisor charged with engaging in criminal activity and theft by a public servant; John Tomplait, Port Arthur assistant water utilities director, theft of metal; Robert LeBlanc, water meter services supervisor, theft of metal; Carlton Edwards, superintendent of streets, credit card abuse; Sharon Shelvin, a municipal courts clerk, tampering with government documents; and Shauwn Williams, a temporary employee working for the city, submitting fraudulent lawn care invoices for services never rendered.

Port Arthur business owners David Frank and Rabindra Nauth were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and aggregate felony theft.

A Jefferson County Grand Jury on Thursday returned indictments involving three of the city employees and the business owners.

Steven R. Guidry was indicted for theft by public servant and engaging in organized criminal activity. Randal Davis Jr., was indicted for theft by public servant and engaging in organized criminal activity.

John Tomplait was indicted on two counts of theft by public servant.

Frank and Nauth were each indicated on felony theft charges and engaging in organized criminal activities.

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