Gambling linked to alleged $1.6m theft by former fire official in Ohio

• An investigation of the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office following a tip uncovered massive theft from the Hambden Township Volunteer Fire Department
• Prosecutors identified a former Fire Chief Assistant and Treasurer as the prime suspect who allegedly embezzled approximately $1.6m to cover gambling losses
• The suspect is facing several charges for his alleged involvement and was recently officially indicted

A former fire assistant chief in Ohio is in hot water after allegedly stealing more than $1m to cover gambling losses.

Details regarding the case emerged from the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, confirming that the suspect, 59-year-old Richard Vandevander has been officially indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges for his alleged involvement.

$1.6m goes missing, complaint uncovers massive theft

A statement by the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office confirms that the Fire Chief of the Hambden Township Volunteer Fire Department and Geauga County Sheriff, Scott Hildenbrand, suspected a major theft from the department.

He reported his suspicion to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Consequently, an investigation by the latter uncovered that the suspect allegedly embezzled approximately $1.6m over the course of three and a half years.

"The funds were converted through a series of transfers and numerous checks from January 9, 2023 through May 15, 2026. The checks were written by the Defendant to himself," reads a press release by the Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the prosecutors, the 59-year-old suspect, who formerly served as a Treasurer and Assistant Chief of the Hambden Township Volunteer Fire Department, forged signatures on documents that required additional signatures and provided financial reports that excluded the losses.

Prosecutors claim that after allegedly stealing $1.6m, the suspect used all of the funds to cover gambling losses.

"It also appears that most, if not all, of the gambling activity took place at the JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio," the prosecutors added.

The 59-year-old suspect is facing felony charges

According to the prosecutors, the suspect cooperated with the investigation.

Jim Flaiz, Prosecuting Attorney, commented: "The Prosecutor’s Office employed the only financial crimes investigator in Geauga County. Her skills and resources were critical to this investigation."

Flaiz added that the team of investigators, attorneys and interns dedicated significant time and resources to this criminal case. At the same time, the Prosecuting Attorney acknowledged that the investigation is still ongoing.

Finally, Flaiz said that so far, there’s no evidence that suggests anyone else besides the former assistant fire chief was involved in the theft.

A grand jury indicted Vandevander for Aggravated Theft of $1.5m or more, Telecommunications Fraud, Falsification in a Theft Offense, Money Laundering and Forgery.

It is worth noting that the suspect remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a court of law.

Image credit: Pixabay.com