All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  

Read News

Pocono News Section

Former Fire Secretary Sentenced for Theft

Former Fire Secretary Sentenced for Theft - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 04:04AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel Tuesday March 23 2010
A former fire company secretary who stole thousands of dollars in Lycoming County learned her fate Tuesday. In December of 2009, Nichole Lee Rupert pleaded guilty to stealing more than $170,000 from the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company in Muncy. Rupert was the fire department's paid secretary at the time. On Tuesday, she was sentenced to 1-2 years in county jail for her crimes. She was also ordered to pay full restitution. Keystone Hook and Ladder Fire Chief Jamie Brelsford noted, "It's hard because she was a friend, and she was a trusted individual at the department. And she violated that trust." Court papers show Rupert used the stolen money to live quite an extravagant lifestyle- paying off personal debts, and making house and car payments, among other purchases. Before imposing his sentence, Judge Marc Lovecchio expressed doubt about Rupert's remorse for her actions. Her attorney disagreed. Defense Attorney George Lepley said, "I know that she expressed regret and remorse to me. But as her attorney, I can't call up people and say, 'Hey, she's sorry for what she did.' That's privileged information." In the nine months or so since the thefts came to light, fire company officials say they've managed to get back on solid financial footing. Keystone Hook and Ladder President Daniel Knapp explained, "Fiscally, we are sound. We're getting back on track and paying off the debts that she accrued." The fire department expects to be reimbursed at least partially by its insurance company. More financial safeguards have been put into place since the thefts were discovered. And firefighters say Tuesday's sentencing will help them as they attempt to move on. Brelsford added, "The Keystone Hook and Ladder Company has been around a long time. Were going to continue to be around for a long time and maintain the quality of protection that we've given the community for years and years." Rupert faces 20 years probation after she gets out of jail. The judge did rule her eligible for work release immediately so she can begin making restitution to the fire company.
 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.