Officials: South Jersey Father And Son Accused Of Stealing EMS Squad Funds
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J., (CBS) -- A father and son who are members of the Springfield Township Emergency Medical Services squad were charged with stealing nearly $30,000 from the organization and using the money for personal expenses, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities say Ronald Knighten, 51, and Benjamin Knighten, 23, both of Springfield, were each charged with one count of Theft by Deception (Third Degree). Ronald Knighten was also charged with one count of Misapplication of Entrusted Property (Third Degree).
"These things don't happen in Springfield Township. This has never happened before," Springfield Township Mayor Denis McDaniel told Eyewitness News.
"It's a betrayal of the trust. It's horrifying really," McDaniel said.
The EMS squad is comprised of volunteers and is principally funded by Springfield Township.
According to the prosecutor's office, an investigation into the squad's finances revealed that nearly $30,000 was misappropriated on diverse dates between 2013 and 2015. Officials say Ronald Knighten served as the squad's treasurer during that time.
According to officials, under the financial structure at that time, debit cards had been issued to different members of the squad, each with a unique account number.
According to officials, it is alleged that during a three-year period, Ronald Knighten allegedly utilized his assigned debit card to withdraw $27,840 from the squad's account to pay personal bills.
Officials say Benjamin Knighten is accused of using the debit card issued to him from the squad's account to allegedly make personal purchases totaling $1,700 from various retail outlets.
Officials say both men surrendered Thursday morning. Ronald Knighten was released after posting 10 percent of $5,000 bail and Benjamin Knighten was released on his own recognizance.
The investigation was conducted by the Springfield Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Financial Crimes Unit. Authorities say the case will now be referred to a Burlington County Grand Jury.
