Former Kinloch fire chief face federal charges
ST. LOUIS (AP) - A St. Louis-area fire chief is facing federal indictment for allegedly stealing more than $140,000 in money from the impoverished fire district.
The indictment of Kinloch Fire Protection District chief Darran Kelley was announced Thursday. Federal prosecutors allege he stole money from taxes, grant funds intended for a new pumper truck and donations that were aimed at helping the district keep the truck.
He is also accused of falsely claiming disability.
The district went out of service in December.
Kelley appeared in federal court late Thursday and was ordered to spend the night in jail.
Local fire chief admits to stealing from St. Clair Fire District
Eric Hinson pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Sentencing is May 2.
Hinson admitted stealing the money from January 2006 through September 2011. He took cash advances on a district credit card and used the card for family vacations in Florida and Hawaii and to pay for personal purchases. He altered records to hide the theft.
Hinson started as a volunteer firefighter in 1985. He became chief in January 2011 and was paid about $25,000 annually for the part-time job.
He became chief in the St. Louis County town of Ladue in July 2011 but resigned two months later amid the St. Clair investigation
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