PA Chief Pleads Guilty to Theft

A former Pennsylvania fire chief who embezzled more than $84,000 over a seven-year period from his fire volunteer department, has pled guilty. Adam Kauer, 39, had been the fire chief of the East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department from 2012 to 2019.

Kauer reportedly used the department’s credit card for personal reasons over 300 times, and obtained 71 checks which he used for non-fire department purposes, including 25 of which he allegedly forged. The funds paid for things like a Royal Caribbean cruise, car payments, dinners, and “hand money” to purchase a new home.

Under the terms of his plea agreement with Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Kauer agreed to plead guilty to charges of forgery, theft and receiving stolen property and make restitution. In exchange the state dropped charges additional forgery and theft charges, and agreed to recommend five-years probation. Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jill Rangos accepted the arrangement last week.

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Here is earlier coverage including news video.