Pocono News Section

2 Snyder Co. EMA Employees Facing Theft Charges

2 Snyder Co. EMA Employees Facing Theft Charges - Monday, April 6, 2009 at 6:00PM EST

MIDDLEBURG, SNYDER COUNTY- Two Snyder County EMA employees are in trouble. They're accused of using county property for private use.
Former Emergency Management Director Dave Nichols and Deputy Director William Michaels both turned themselves in to face those theft charges this morning in Snyder County.

The undercover investigation began based on a tip from a Snyder County 9-1-1 employee. The employee noticed county equipment posted for sale on the internet auction site eBay.

Deputy Director William Michaels was terminated for improperly spending county money and disposing of county property. According to arrest papers, Director Dave Nichols allowed his daughter use of a county computer for college.

He also allegedly double-billed for services he provided, and maintained a slush fund using county money. Snyder County D. A. Michael Sholley said, "It's about holding public officials accountable to the taxpayers for the property and funds they're entrusted with."

Dave Hanig was hired in October as the new Director of Emergency Services for Snyder County.