DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — The former fire chief of Hamilton Township in Delaware County and his wife have been charged with stealing money from the volunteer fire department.
Douglas and Kerri Firestone were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit theft, one count of theft, one count of fraud and one count of felony misconduct after court documents show the couple used credit cards and bank accounts tied to the volunteer fire department for personal expenses.
According to court documents, Douglas was elected as the chief of the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department in mid-2021. Later that year, he appointed his wife, Kerri, as secretary/treasurer of the fire department.
Their initial court hearings are scheduled for May 2.
Court documents allege that shortly after Kerri was appointed as secretary/treasurer, the fire department financial bookkeeping measures and records were abandoned as Douglas and Kerri assumed exclusive control of the department's multiple credit cards and bank accounts.
After reviewing the Hamilton Township Fire Department's financial records for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, investigators found "multiple" personal expenditures for the Firestones. The purchases were allegedly made between December 2021 and December 2023.
Douglas was removed from office on Dec. 31, 2023, following the discovery of misused funds.
Court records show the couple used the misappropriated funds to make tuition payments for their son under the guise of a fraudulent "scholarship" award. Those payments were allegedly made on their son's behalf in May 2022, September 2022, March 2023 and September 2023 for a total of $16,269.
The couple also allegedly used the funds for their personal vehicles by fraudulently claiming their vehicles were "leased" by the fire department. Additionally, court records allege the couple used funds for personal needs, swimming pool supplies, a refrigerator and multiple tools.
The purchase of swimming pool supplies was a clear point of suspect as the fire department did not have a swimming pool. Kerri also allegedly bought luggage, dog treats and personal hygiene products with fire department credit and bank cards.
Further court records showed that Kerri allegedly made payments on her and her son's personal credit cards using fire department funds. Court documents allege roughly $19,000 worth of fire department funds were used for payments on their son's personal credit card.
The couple allegedly admitted to making "many purchases and expenditures" with fire department accounts. Douglas allegedly told investigators that several of his purchases were business expenses and that he had nothing to do with the departments finances. Kerri reportedly told investigators that the purchases were legitimate fire department business, but could not rationally explain them to investigators.
In response to the allegations, on April 18, the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department released a statement on Facebook announcing a new chief has been appointed. Larry Richards, a member of the department for over 40 years, has been appointed as the new fire chief. Shane Stills was appointed to assistant fire chief.
"We have taken proactive measures to enhance accountability and transparency within the department, addressing all identified issues to prevent future incidents," the statement read in part. "We understand that the actions of the Firestones may have cast a shadow over our reputation, but we are determined to regain your trust as we continue to serve you diligently."