John Yuknavich, Theft of Fire Department Funds, Pennsylvania 2011

Defendant Charged with Stealing Over $5,000 from Fire Department

The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department is reeling after the Chief, John Yuknavich, was charged with stealing over $5,000 from the department and the township. According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Yuknavich allegedly deposited only a portion of the monthly $3,500 check received from the township, using the remainder for his personal benefit.

Between 2008 and 2011, Yuknavich, 51, of Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, allegedly took the stolen funds, exceeding $5,000, in the course of his duties as Chief of the fire department. The theft is a federal offense, as local government programs that receive more than $10,000 in federal funds annually are protected under federal law.

The Government has filed a plea agreement with Yuknavich, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court. The agreement includes a restitution of $45,000 and requires Yuknavich to resign his position as an officer or official title with the fire department within ten days of the entry of the plea.

The investigation into Yuknavich’s actions was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is assigned to the prosecution.

While the plea agreement has been reached, it is essential to note that indictments and criminal informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in court.

The maximum penalty for the offense is 10 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The potential sentence will be determined by the Judge, considering various factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant’s history and characteristics, and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public, and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational, and medical needs.

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