Fire Police Deputy Chief Charged With Theft In Camden County
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Deputy Chief with the Camden County Fire Police has been charged with theft, Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk announced Thursday.
John Murrow, 59, of Somerdale, was charged Thursday with Theft by Unlawful Taking for stealing more than $500 of gas from the county gasoline pumps. Murrow was issued a summons.
The Prosecutor's Office says Camden County maintains fueling stations for county vehicles being driven for county business. According to investigators, video surveillance captured images of Murrow fueling his county-issued vehicle at a station in Gloucester Township and then allegedly filling with fuel several gas containers he stored in the back seat of the vehicle. Investigators say Murrow is accused of filling up those containers with fuel for personal use. The investigation is ongoing, but officials say it appears Murrow took for personal use thousands of dollars worth of gasoline.
The Prosecutor's Office says the investigation was initiated after county officials conducted an audit of fuel use and noticed Murrow's fuel consumption noticeably exceeded the amount used by other fire police personnel. County officials brought the results of the audit to law enforcement.
"This type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Freeholder Board and anyone who tries to steal public resources will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Camden County Freeholder Scott McCray said in a statement.
Investigators say Murrow, who has worked for the county for more than 30 years, was suspended with intent to terminate pending the outcome of this case.
