Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
A former fire chief and his son have pled nolo to charges involving the misuse of department funds. Thomas Perry, 53 the former fire chief of the Chapmanville Fire Department, and his son, Cody, 35, were indicted last year on embezzlement, conspiracy, and fraudulent schemes charges.
The charges followed an investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office. The offenses reportedly took place between 2015 and 2021. Both men opted to plead no contest to one charge each. Thomas pled to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, while Cody pled to one count of embezzlement.
The State Auditor’s Office is seeking to have the court include a restitution order in their sentences, with Thomas being responsible for approximately $16,000 and Cody for approximately $38,000.
Both will be sentenced on July 6, 2023. Thomas faces up to 5 years in prison, while Cody faces up to ten years in prison. More on the story.
