An Ames man was arrested this week on charges of computer theft after he installed electronic equipment and then stole money by crediting his own accounts, police said.

Thomas Edward Pritchard, 48, 2121 Sunset Dr., was arrested at 515 Clark Ave., Monday by Ames police officers. The Story County Sheriff’s Department had issued a warrant for Pritchard’s arrest on charges of fifth-degree theft.

Pritchard installed electronic equipment earlier this month at Quick Performance in rural Ames, which sells resale and basic auto parts, said Doug Demoss, manager. The equipment is used to read magnetic stripes on credit cards in order to charge purchases.

According to Lt. Gary Foster of the sheriff’s department, Pritchard would make the theft by using his own credit card in a demonstration. “He would take out his own credit card and create a debit to his own account,” Foster said.

Pritchard then would demonstrate a credit to his account to remove the demonstrated purchase. At a later date, Pritchard would return to again credit his account.

Demoss said the false credit showed up on a credit statement shortly after the installation of the equipment and demonstration, so it was easy to track the theft to Pritchard.

Similar thefts also occurred at Carney Auto Salvage and Denny’s Automotive, both located in Ames, said Sergeant Jim Robinson of the Ames Police Department.

Pritchard was charged with third-degree computer theft by the APD. After the arrest, APD officials turned Pritchard over to Story County officials, who then charged him with additional charges.

If convicted on all charges, Pritchard could face up to three years in jail and $6,500 in fines.

Pritchard was released pending a trial date that has yet to be set.