COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a shocking turn of events, Johnny Baker, the chief of the Coalton volunteer fire department in Ohio, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for using over $200,000 in fire department funds for personal expenses.
Baker, 38, of Wellston, Ohio, used his position as manager of the fire department’s finances to build up cash via pull tab sales. The fire chief raised funds from the local community through the legal form of gambling, which he initially implemented as a fundraiser.
Several local businesses sold pull tabs to the community and sent the proceeds to Baker. Initially, Baker used proceeds to buy needed supplies for the department, but eventually supplemented his own income and spent money on cruises, resorts, sporting events, an ATV, firearms and more.
Baker began working for the volunteer fire department in 2009, filling various roles over the years including secretary/treasurer, assistant fire chief, and as of January 2023, fire chief.
In a guilty plea in April, Baker admitted to one count of mail fraud for the embezzlement, which included using fire department money to have items for his personal use shipped to his house via UPS.
As part of his sentence, Baker will pay approximately $226,000 in restitution. The U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. imposed the sentence in U.S. District Court.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division, announced the sentence imposed today.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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