MARION, Ill. (WJPF) – An employee of the Marion School District is facing theft charges. 

59 year old Lester James of Carbondale has been charged with six counts of retail theft of more than $300.

The investigation began last week when a home improvement store in Marion reported ongoing thefts involving one person over the last few months.

The Marion Community Unit School District #2 released a statement following his arrest on September 29.  They said the arrest had no connection to Marion students, staff, or the safety of the school district. 

James was taken to the Williamson County Jail.