A North Platte man has been charged with a felony after he allegedly stole thousands of dollars from his employer.

At around 12:15 p.m. on February 12, an officer with the North Platte Police Department responded to a reported employee theft at the Super 8 motel, 220 West Eugene.

A manager with the motel advised officers that an employee, 29-year-old Robert Richards, was stealing money.

According to Officer Rodney Brown, the manager advised that when customers paid cash, Richards would keep the cash and enter the transaction as compensated.

The thefts allegedly started on October 5, 2013 and continued until the most recent theft of February 8, 2014.  The total amount of money taken was $3, 420.90, making this a felony offense.

On February 13, an officer met with Richards regarding the complaint and, following further investigation, determined there was probable cause to arrest Richards.

He was charged with theft by deception, a Class III felony, and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center.