KENNETT TWP, PA — A former Chester County fire chief is facing theft and records tampering charges after investigators alleged he manipulated firefighter incentive program records to improperly obtain payments, according to the Kennett Township Police Department.
Police said the investigation involved the Kennett Regional Fire and EMS Commission and the Longwood Fire Company firefighter incentive program. The commission includes Longwood Fire Company and EMS, the Kennett Fire Company, and the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company.
According to investigators, former Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company Chief Stephen Nuse, 41, allegedly altered official time-tracking records to falsely indicate participation in emergency responses, training activities, and duty assignments. Police alleged the records were then used to obtain incentive payments to which Nuse was not entitled.
Authorities said the investigation determined the total financial loss connected to the alleged conduct was approximately $640.
As a result of the investigation, police filed charges including theft by deception and tampering with records, according to the department. Investigators said the case remains active and asked anyone with additional information to contact Kennett Township Police.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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