ROCK FALLS – The former manager of the Shell Express Lane on U.S. Route 30 is free on a $10,000 recognizance bond after being charged with stealing more than $8,000 from the business in a month.

James C. Hollowell turned himself in to police Tuesday morning; he has a preliminary hearing March 4. If convicted of one count of theft, he faces 2 to 5 years in prison.

Johnson Oil, which owns the gas station, conducted an audit in September and found a discrepancy. In all, about $8,300 was taken from the station's general account between August and September, Rock Falls Police Chief Mike Kuelper said. 

Hollowell worked for the company for 20 years, the last 15 at the gas station, said Kathy Peugh, a supervisor for Johnson Oil. Peugh declined further comment.

Hollowell could not be reached for comment Wednesday.