Updated at 9 a.m. Tuesday to include statements from Timothy James.

POTSDAM — A Norwood man was arrested Monday after allegedly selling equipment that belonged to the Norwood Fire Department, but the accused man claims the charges are false.

Timothy M. James, 39, was charged with third-degree grand larceny, according to St. Lawrence County sheriff's deputies. But James says the charges against him are not legitimate.

He says the ladders in question were removed from a stripped truck for his employer at Knowlton and Sons. He says his employer was supposed to pay the fire department for the ladders, but failed to do so. James says he believes his employer is "out to get him" due to an open worker's compensation claim.

James says he was recently suspended from the department after he allegedly reported a bullying incident to the chief and believes the fire department is using the charges as a way to get back at him.

According to St. Lawrence County sheriff's deputies James allegedly sold property belonging to the fire department to a local business, but James says he never received any money for the ladders, nor did he intend to do so.

The value of the property is $3,200, deputies said.

Deputies said James was a member of the fire department when the incident took place on May 17, but James says the ladders were removed in November of 2016. He questions why he was charged nine months later.

James was arraigned in Norfolk court and released under the supervision of probation.