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Local Delco Politician Charged With Scamming His Employer For Millions

By Brad Segall

COLLINGDALE, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities in Delaware County, Pa. have charged a Collingdale man -- a former borough councilman for nearly 20 years -- with embezzling nearly $3 million from his former employer over more than a decade.

James Bryan resigned from the Collingdale Council last October amid word that he was the focus of an ongoing investigation.

The 45-year-old man is now charged with theft and related offenses, accused of orchestrating an elaborate scheme to steal from Wescott Electric, in Aston, Pa., where he was a project manager.

Delaware County DA Jack Whelan says Bryan would cash checks that were generated for fraudulent invoices and buy copper wire for the company which he would scrap for cash.

"He's got a severe gambling problem, and that's what he's admitted to," Whelan says.  "He would spend a lot of time at Harrah's Chester, but also would be involved in sports betting and even purchasing excessive amounts of lottery tickets."

Whelan calls Bryan's actions a breach of trust and a crushing blow to a vibrant Delaware County company looking to expand and grow.

Bryan worked for Wescott for 26 years.

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