A former employee of the closed Miller’s Quality Meats in downtown Butler is facing felony burglary and theft charges after at least $48,875 in equipment went missing from the building.

Butler police filed charges Monday, Sept. 14, against William J. Scott, 50, of Butler after a representative of a neighboring business reported that security camera footage captured a photo on Sept. 2 of Scott pushing a rack into a red Ford truck parked outside Miller’s and driving away with the racks in the truck bed, according to an affidavit.

A partner at Miller’s told police he believed the man in the photo was Scott and identified him as a former employee. The owner of the truck said he lent the truck to Scott that day, according to the affidavit.

Police said they believe Scott entered the building through a rear entrance. A security photo showed plywood and foam used to secure a glass panel in the rear door had been removed, according to the affidavit.

Listed as missing are 18 Pro Smoker model 500T stainless steel smoke racks valued at $2,500 each, 12 aluminum racks valued at $148 each, 10 Pro Smoker model 500T smoker gates valued at $209.99 each and 1,000 stainless steel smoke sticks with a yet to be determined value, according to the affidavit.

Miller’s closed after a Jan. 17, 2024, fire caused significant damage to the structure.