St. Lucie County commissioner Chris Dzadovsky posts bond, after allegedly stealing pool heater

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky posted a $2,500 bond Monday, after allegedly turning himself in at the St. Lucie County Jail Sunday.

Dzadovsky is charged with third degree grand theft for allegedly stealing a swimming pool heater.

According to the arrest affidavit, Dzadovsky admitted to taking the heater back in February from his ex-fiancee's Fort Pierce home on South 10th Street. But the District 1 commissioner and board chairman said the incident is really just a big misunderstanding. 

"It's a total miscommunication. It's unfortunate, and I believe that as this unfolds, it will all take care of itself," said Dzadovsky. He would not elaborate.

His attorney Michael Kessler said, "It was an honest misunderstanding, and I'm sure it will be cleared up quickly." He would not share details, either.

Police say Dzadovsky lived in the home with his ex-fiancee, until the relationship ended in 2006. She died last year. Now, the home is up for sale.

According to the affidavit, Dzadovsky told detectives the reason he removed the heater was to fix a leak. But detectives say a pool expert checked the recovered heater and found no leaks. 

Dzadovsky said he will continue to serve on the county commission.

St. Lucie County spokesman Erick Gill said Dzadovsky will stay in office, unless Gov. Rick Scott takes action to remove him.

Gill said it's out of the county's hands because Dzadovsky was elected, and the charges aren't related to his commission job.