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DA: Ex-Treasurer Of Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Company Stole $250K

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) -- The former treasurer of the Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Company stole money to fund trips, buy expensive jewelry and even to pay for his daughter's wedding in Las Vegas, authorities allege Friday.

Ronald Kenneth "Ken" Nolan was arrested and is facing numerous, including theft, for allegedly stealing nearly $250,000.

According to investigators, Nolan served as the treasurer of the fire company for 24 years. In December 2012, elections were held and Nolan was voted out from his position.

The incoming treasurer immediately began to examine the Fire Company's finances and discovered irregularities that led to a criminal investigation by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Through an audit and criminal investigation, authorities found that Nolan allegedly stole $249,703.77 of Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Company funds and used it for his personal expenses between 2006-2012, all while he served as the volunteer Treasurer of the organization.

Authorities say Nolan stole in two ways: cash advances from the Fire Company's bank accounts in the amount of $116,000.00 and two credit cards linked to the Fire Company's account to fund personal activities and expenses.

According to investigators, the expenditures included vacations to Florida, Jamaica, China and 15 trips to Las Vegas. In addition, it is alleged that Nolan used Fire Company funds to pay expenses related to his daughter's 2006 wedding celebration in Las Vegas, including airline transportation for wedding guests.

Nolan is also accused of using Fire Company funds to purchase jewelry, computers, clothing, spa visits and tickets to sporting events.

In addition, Nolan allegedly used the credit cards to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash from the Fire Company's account to gamble.

Nolan surrendered to authorities and was arraigned on Friday.

He has been charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds Received, Access Device Fraud, Dealing in Proceeds of Unlawful Activity, and Misapplication of Entrusted Property.

On Friday afternoon, The Board of Commissioners of Upper Gwynedd Township released a statement that read in part:

"While the Board of Commissioners of Upper Gwynedd Township are concerned about the charges filed against Mr. Ken Nolan, the Board is confident that the financial position of the West Point Volunteer Fire Department is such that it will continue to provide the same level of services to the Township that we as residents have come to expect."

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