SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — A former employee of an apartment complex is accused of breaking into laundry machines there and stealing $30 worth of quarters.

The suspect, James A. Merola, 28, of Worth Township, also used a credit card belonging to Slippery Rock Apartments to make nearly $2,000 in personal purchases and swiped a $380 wire welder from the complex on Cameron Road, according to court documents.

State police Monday arrested Merola on charges of burglary and theft. He was arraigned and later released on his own recognizance.

Investigators on Monday spoke to the manager at Slippery Rock Apartments after he caught Merola on video surveillance stealing money from the laundry machines on Sunday, documents said.

The defendant later admitted the theft, police said.

A police affidavit saidthe suspect stated he has keys to the washing machines because he used to work there, and he needed money.

His preliminary hearing is July 27 at the office of District Judge William O’Donnell in Slippery Rock.