GENEVA –  As superintendent of Geneva’s streets and fleet, Stephen LeMaire was authorized to use a city credit card to buy things for his department.

He could buy coats, boots, protective eyewear and other items from a list of approved materials. But LeMaire also bought high-end jackets raging in price from $200 to more than $600. He bought sunglasses, shoes, boots and T-shirts – purchases that eventually aroused suspicion, leading to an investigation, LeMaire’s firing and arrest.

Last month, LeMaire, 55, of Elburn, pleaded guilty to theft of unauthorized purchases from 2006 to 2012. LeMaire agreed to pay back $28,478.10 the city of Geneva of at a minimum rate of $200 per month. He also was sentenced to 30 months of probation and 100 hours of community service. City officials also changed the way they review charges made to city credit cards.