FORT PAYNE– A former DeKalb County Road Department employee faces two felony theft charges. Investigators allege he sold county equipment for scrap and kept more than $37,000.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit opened the investigation on Aug. 12. Members of the DeKalb County Commission and the county administrator requested the investigation.

Officials contacted the agency after a 1976 John Deere 4230 tractor disappeared from the DeKalb County Road Department.

During the investigation, deputies identified Road Department Superintendent Timothy Joe Young, 60, of Pisgah, as a suspect.

Investigators interviewed Young on Aug. 13. At that meeting, the sheriff’s office said Young admitted taking the tractor and selling it for scrap.

In addition, investigators said Young admitted taking two trailers, a grid roller, and other county equipment. The agency said he sold those items for scrap and kept the money.

According to the release, the alleged sales took place between December 2025 and July 2026. Investigators said Young received more than $37,000 from the sales.

As a result, investigators obtained warrants charging Young with two counts of first-degree theft of property. Deputies arrested him on Aug. 14.

Young also resigned from the Road Department on Aug. 13.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to work on the case. However, the sheriff’s office said additional charges could follow.

Sheriff Addresses Investigation

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said government employees hold positions of public trust.

“Anytime someone is a government employee, they’re placed in a position of trust,” Welden said. “Mr. Young betrayed the trust placed in him by the DeKalb County Commission and the citizens of DeKalb County, and there should always be consequences for corrupt acts.”

The sheriff also thanked the commission for quickly reporting the missing equipment. In addition, he praised the working relationship between the commission and his office.

For now, the investigation remains active.

All charges are allegations. Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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