The owner of a Berlin, Conn., auto repair shop was charged by local police with first-degree larceny amid accusations he stole a $14,000 check that was to be returned to a client’s insurance company.

Paul Ciarcia, 36, owner of Paul’s Automotive in New Britain, Conn., is accused of improperly cashing the check and using the money for his business, according to the New Britain Herald.

Police say that a client took a car to Paul’s Automotive in April 2009 to receive $14,000 in repairs after an accident and handed the owner the insurance check, according to the report. A second inspection, however, determined the care was beyond repair, so the check was to go back to the insurer.

Months after the second inspection, the client received calls from the insurer about the missing check, but Ciarcia said he had returned it, the Herald reported. He later admitted to police that he had cashed it and used the money to keep his business operating.

Ciarcia was released on bond and will appear in New Britain Superior Court Jan. 22 to answer to the charges.