Former Alabama Chief Charged with Theft

Posted by: Curt Varone May 13, 2013 0

The former fire chief from Bangor, Alabama was arrested today and charged with two counts of first degree theft arising out of his misuse of department funds while in office.

Michael Claude Watson, 45, was the fire chief of the Bangor Fire Department until last year. He allegedly used fire department funds for personal expenses such as cell phones and plans for family members, and personal electronic devices. Allegedly approximately $3,000 worth of cellphones and plans, and $5,000 worth of electronics were involved.

Watson is being held at the Blount County Correctional Facility in lieu of $90,000 bond.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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