By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Former Atmore businessman Christopher Michael Rowland, who was forced to sell his business, Rowland Tire Shop, four years ago after being charged by a supplier with theft by deception, has been arrested again after funds were discovered missing from another local tire company for which he used to work.
Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann reported Tuesday morning, December 12, that Rowland was arrested on a first-degree theft charge after an audit revealed that money was missing from Southern Tire Mart.
McMann said city detectives interviewed a Corporate Security Investigator from the tire store, located on Jack Springs Road, who told them Rowland was suspected of stealing more than $15,000 from the company.
Rowland is believed to be responsible for several missing deposits that were discovered during an audit of the business’s accounts.
A warrant was issued for Rowland’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on Monday, December 11.
A 2019 investigation by Flomaton police led to a charge of first-degree theft by deception against Rowland, who was indicted by a county grand jury after he wrote several worthless checks to pay for merchandise he purchased from a tire company with locations in Columbus, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla. and several Alabama cities.
The former tire salesman remained in the Escambia County Detention Center near midday Tuesday, December 12.