A Nebraska fire department is suing its former fire chief to recoup funds the chief allegedly stole.
The Southeast Rural Fire Protection District, aka Southeast Fire & Rescue, has filed suit in Lancaster County District Court against former fire chief John Porter. Porter was arrested last year and charged with stealing $38,502.07 over a two-year period. He was terminated on February 1, 2013.
The fire department is seeking more than $60,000 in damages from Porter. The stolen funds allegedly came from an account containing bingo-fundraising proceeds that were earmarked to provide food and soft drinks for firefighters after a fire. Porter allegedly used the funds to buy a flat-screen TV, get a tattoo, buy go-kart parts, and pay personal bills.
It would appear this is not Porter’s first go-round with our criminal justice system. He pled guilty in 2006 to felony theft charges in Cheyenne County. Porter is now facing additional charges for possessing firearms as a convicted felon.