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Norristown Vietnam Vet Pleads Guilty To Theft

By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The former commander of an organization that helps disabled veterans has admitted in Montgomery County court that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from that organization over a three year period.

Robert Fisher led the Norristown chapter of the Disabled American Veterans from May 2008 until February 2011 and prosecutors say that's when more than $40,000 disappeared from two bank accounts. The 63-year-old Norristown man pleaded guilty to theft and will be sentenced later this year. Prosecutor Terry Kibelstis says Fisher wrote checks to himself to pay personal expenses. She says the organization relies on donations to help veterans.

"Many of the members who knew and respected Bob Fisher especially had long term relationships with him," Kibelstis says, "and from being a fellow vet, it really betrayed them."

Fisher has agreed to repay the money and Kibelstis says she will ask for jail time for the Vietnam era veteran. As for the organization, she says they've rebounded thanks to the strength of their members. She says Fisher apologized in court and vowed to make it right.

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