A deputy superintendent at two Maine correctional facilities has been charged with theft and bribery following an alleged kick-back scheme, the attorney general’s office said Wednesday.

Gerald E. Merrill Jr., who works at the Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston and Downeast Correctional Facility in Machiasport, allegedly used state funds to buy products from certain vendors in exchange for illegal kickback payments, the AG’s office said.

Merrill was arrested Tuesday after state police executed search warrants at the jails and at Merrill’s residence.

“These allegations that a public official who is entrusted with the stewardship of public money and the execution of essential government duties has abused that trust for personal gain are disturbing,” Attorney General Aaron Frey said in a statement.

The AG’s office did not say how much money Merrill is accused of stealing or the total of the alleged kickbacks but described his alleged actions as “a long running scheme.”

The investigation began after the state auditor’s office noticed an irregular volume of funds being spent on “purchase cards” that Merrill controlled.

Purchase cards are used by agencies in a manner similar to consumer credit cards.

Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty said in a statement that he is “deeply disturbed” by the allegations.

“The Maine Department of Corrections expects its employees to, like all State employees, to adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct and failure to do so is unacceptable,” he said.

The AG’s press release notes that Merrill is “currently employed,” but does not say whether he is on paid or unpaid leave or is still working.

Follow up questions sent to AG spokeswoman Danna Hayes and the Department of Corrections were not immediately answered.

Merrill was due to make an initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon.