PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A fired city of Pittsburgh employee was released from the Allegheny County Jail Friday.

Matt Hogue was charged with theft after he reported $10,000 in chainsaws – purchased with city tax dollars – stolen.

He bought the equipment without getting approval from his boss, City Councilman Bruce Kraus who terminated his employment Thursday.

Earlier this week, Hogue told KDKA’s Andy Sheehan he was the victim of a burglary and the equipment was stolen out of his basement in the city’s West End.

“I’m sorry things got taken. I mean, absolutely it’s unfortunate to say the least,” he told KDKA-TV. “You try to something good in the neighborhoods then people take advantage of you here in your own home. It’s scary.”

Hogue was released from county jail on $5,000 bond. He had no comment.

According to a police report, Hogue tried to blame the missing chainsaws on Sam Goldbronn who lives a block away.

The report says Hogue planted a hammer engraved with his initials in Goldbronn’s yard and told police Goldbronn had stolen it, implicating Goldbronn in the bigger theft.

Goldbronn: “I don’t even know the guy, Matt Hogue, No. 1.”

Andy Sheehan: “How do you feel about him trying to stick you with this?”

Goldbronn: “Excuse my French, but he’s a you know …”

Wilting under interrogation, the report says Hogue sighed and admitted he sold the chainsaws to various people for the money.

Police say they now have the right man. Hogue is charged with making false statements to them and the felony theft of $10,000 in chainsaws.

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