Gabriel Edwards, 27, of Mariposa, is charged with forgery and remained in custody in the John Latorraca Correctional Center in Merced, in lieu of $10,000 bail, after a parking staffer noticed the permit on Edwards' car didn't look right.
UC Merced campus police arrested Edwards about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Edwards joined the school's staff in December, Police Chief Rita Spaur said. All staff members have to pay to park on campus, she said.
Permits are renewed each fiscal year, but the cost is deducted from paychecks at $25 a month.
Spaur said it doesn't appear Edwards used a computer at work to make the phony permit.
A campus spokeswoman said Edwards already had one parking permit, but reportedly wanted another for his second car without having to pay for it.
Edwards is on paid leave until a human resources investigation is complete.
Modesto Bee reporter Lorena Anderson can be reached at 667-1227 or landerson@modbee.com.
