The treasurer of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department has been charged with allegedly stealing more than $39,000 from the department’s funds.
Joe D. Ayers, 27, of 226 Ice Mine Road, Coudersport, is charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception-false impression, theft by deception-fail to correct, receiving stolen property and theft by failing to make required disposition of funds, all third-degree felonies.
According to the criminal complaint, on Oct. 7, officials with the Coudersport fire department contacted the Coudersport Borough Police regarding the theft of funds by the department’s treasurer, Ayers. Department officials told police that Ayers had been in charge of the department’s funds from June of 2019 to June of 2020, and that they were missing $39,401.84.
On Oct. 9, Ayers was interviewed by police. He admitted to taking the money and using it for himself. He said he believed it was in the area of about $26,000, the complaint alleged.
Police contacted department officials, who went over the books. While Ayers was keeping the books, he noted money being placed into accounts such as the building and truck funds, when in fact, he was using that money to pay his own bills, the complaint stated. The officials noted that when they held events such as boot drives, the cash collected was not being deposited into the department’s accounts, the complaint alleged.
Ayers was arraigned last week before District Judge Annette Easton and released on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 17 before Easton.
Department officials commented on the situation on the Facebook page for the fire department.
“Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department recently found discrepancies in our finances. A short internal investigation led to a timely turnover to Coudersport Borough Police Department,” the statement read.
“We will support any legal actions resulting from their investigation. The board, officers, and membership of CVFD are disheartened that this could happen in our organization. We wish to assure you, our community that we’re taking the matter very seriously, and it will not affect our ability to serve you in a time of need.”
