Former Indiana Chief Charged With Theft of $140k

Posted by: Curt Varone January 2, 2022 0

A former Indiana fire chief who was already facing charges for sexual misconduct with a minor, has been charged with stealing more than $140,000 from the Summitville Fire Department and Van Buren Township.

James “Randy” Sizelove, 57, was charged by the Indiana State Police with theft in excess of $50,000, official misconduct, and conflict of interest by a public official. He was the fire chief for the Summitville Fire Department and the Van Buren Township Fire Department.

The charges reportedly stem from purchase and sale of vehicles and equipment using township and fire department funds. Sizemore allegedly profited from each transaction. The Herald Bulletin quoted his attorney, Zaki Ali, as saying:

  • My client is innocent.
  • In my opinion, the charges should not have been filed.
  • I’m convinced a jury will not find my client guilty.

Sizemore resigned as chief on November 19, 2020, the day he was arrested for the sexual misconduct with a minor charges. The new charges are based upon activities that occurred between December 2, 2016 and November 19, 2020.

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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