MADISON, Wis.  (CHANNEL 3000)- A Madison man is accused of using a master key to steal thousands of dollars from laundry machines at a downtown Madison apartment building, police said.

Madison police said 23-year-old Carter J. Swopes was arrested Monday after his former employer reported more than $6,000 in laundry money had been stolen since August from The Embassy Apartments at 505 University Ave.

Police said a manager became suspicious and started checking surveillance video images after money flow from laundry machines began to drop off by $500 to $600 a month.

Swopes was seen on surveillance video entering a dozen laundry rooms in the multistory building on more than one occasion, according to the report.

The manager told police she suspects that Swopes, a former employee, made a master key allowing for after-hours access to the building.

Swopes was arrested on suspicion of burglary.