Former Louisiana Fire Chief Charged With Stealing $40k in Fire Department Funds

The Louisiana State Police have arrested the former fire chief of the Sandy Lake Fire Department on charges that he stole approximately $40,000 from the department. Robert Squyres, 66, is facing charges of forgery, bank fraud, malfeasance in office and felony theft following a yearlong investigation by several agencies.

The investigation was initiated in February, 2021 by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations, the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The thefts reportedly occurred between 2017 and 2020.

An arrest warrant for Squyres was obtained earlier this month, and he was arrested and booked into the Catahoula Parish Jail. More on the story.

Here is a press release from the Louisiana State Police. Click in Troop E News.

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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