MEMBERS OF THE WAUSAU (FLORIDA) VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. have been routinely pilfering supplies and services from the department’s treasury, according to a special report issued by the State Attorney’s Office.
One of the most egregious misuses was by the fire chief who, along with his family members and friends, ran up more than $6,000 in charges on the dept. cell phone. Another problem was the practice of several members to take gasoline for their personal use.
The practices were discoverd following an investigation triggered by a citizen complaint about the offenses that involve taxpayer funds.
The Panama City News Herald reports:
Despite allegedly spending more than $6,000 of fire department funds for personal use and on family and friends, the State Attorney’s Office determined not to pursue charges against (Fire Chief) Sam Rudd.
“He has been given an opportunity to give the money back,” said Asst. State Attorney Greg Wilson, section chief of Washington, Holmes and Jackson counties.
Wilson said Rudd has not been given special treatment. He said the decision not to pursue charges was based on the possibility funds were missing because of “poor accounting” and the fact oversight improvements had been implemented by the city.
“He has until Labor Day” to pay back the money, Wilson said. “If he doesn’t pay it, charges (of grand theft) will be filed. The bottom line is this: There was extremely poor accounting at the fire department and a general lack of oversight,” Wilson said.
While there is indication of further corruption within the department membership, the SAO has helped them implement a proper accounting and oversight program to eliminate the problems.
Read the complete story in the News Herald HERE.
Read the investigator’s summary report (.pdf file) HERE.
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