The Hall County Sheriff’s Department’s Merit Commission has upheld the firing of a deputy charged with stealing from the county.

The Associated Press reports that Kevin Bombeck was fired by Sheriff Jerry Watson on Jan. 17. Bombeck appealed that decision. The Merit Commission ruled against him on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Bombeck is charged in Hall County Court with felony theft between March 9 and Oct. 1 of last year.

Bombeck’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 22.