Ogunquit’s town manager was summonsed Thursday on charges of ordering municipal employees to keep a town-owned parking lot open late on the July Fourth holiday and then not turning over the money collected from parkers, police say.

Thomas A. Fortier, 51, who lives in Falmouth, was issued the misdemeanor summons by Wells police, who investigated the incident at the request of Ogunquit police. He was placed on paid administrative leave Friday by the Ogunquit Select Board.

Fortier told town employees to keep collecting parking fees at a town lot after 4 p.m. on July 4, Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam said, noting that the lot is typically free after 4 p.m.

She refused to identify the lot, but said it’s commonly used by residents who are going to see Independence Day fireworks.

Putnam said the money collected by the town employees was then “taken by Mr. Fortier” and not turned over to town officials. She declined to say how much money was involved.

Residents who paid for parking after 4 p.m. July 4 in an Ogunquit town lot are asked to call Wells police Sgt. Chad Arrowsmith at 646-9354. Putnam said her officers are continuing to investigate the incident.

Fortier was charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, and official oppression, which involves an official seeking to benefit himself or harm another by committing “an unauthorized act which purports to be an act of his office.” Both charges are misdemeanors and Fortier will be arraigned at York District Court on Oct. 27.

In a statement issued late Friday night, Ogunquit Select Board Chairwoman Barbara Dailey said it was standard practice for a town employee to be put on paid administrative leave in such circumstances. She said Mark O’Brien, Ogunquit’s fire chief, would serve as interim town manager. Dailey’s statement said O’Brien is typically interim town manager when Fortier is absent.

Dailey said the board would cooperate with police and also conduct its own inquiry. It will meet Monday to start that process, she said.

“Our commitment is to be fair, thorough and expedient and to keep an open mind until we have learned all the facts,” Dailey said.

A recording at a number for Fortier in Falmouth said it had been disconnected.