IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR WE BROUGHT YOU the story (HERE) about the fire chief of the Hardy VFD in Bedford County, Virginia, who had been arrested following an investigation into his handling of FD funds.  In July, Chief Jeffrey Shifflett, his wife Deborah and his son Cory were all indicted on13 felony theft (embezzlement) charges.  The following day, Jeffrey Shifflett committed suicide.  Firegeezer has a detailed report on the  investigation and subsequent suicide HERE.

The Roanoke Times has reported (HERE) that Jeffrey’s son, Cory Mitchell Shifflett appeared in court on Tuesday, November 17 and pleaded guilty to his charges while throwing himself on the mercy of the court.

“He wants to take responsibility and make things right,” Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Krantz said after a Circuit Court hearing in which Shifflett pleaded guilty to seven charges of embezzlement.  Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors made no plea agreement with Shifflett. A sentencing date has not been set.

Cory Shifflett (far left) and his lawyer, Darren Shoen,
were in Bedford County Circuit Court.
(Roanoke Times / Soares photo)

The guilty pleas came four months after Shifflett, his father and his father’s wife were indicted on charges of taking for their own use an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 intended for the Hardy Volunteer Fire Department.

Investigators have said the Shiffletts used department money for their own expenses, including buying a gun at a pawn shop, and clothing and other items from Gander Mountain, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Walmart and other businesses. Jeffrey Shifflett was accused of issuing checks to himself to cover training costs, but no records indicated such training occurred.

Krantz said Cory Shifflett probably was responsible for no more than $10,000 of the misspent money. He likely acted at his father’s direction, though Shifflett did not offer that as an excuse, Krantz said.

Krantz also said that their investigation did not go back any farther than 2007 because they accumulated enough evidence by then to prosecute.  But he believes that the thefts began occurring prior to then.

The Roanoke Times article also has links to earlier stories on the case.