Related Federal Cases
- 23andMe Faces Legal Fire for Genetic Data Sale · Washington
- Arts & Crafts Fraud: Medicare Hit for $200K · Pennsylvania
- Fake Robbery, Real Theft: 8 Months for CU Crook · Pennsylvania
- Tax Thief Gets 20 Months · Pennsylvania
- Incline Cash Grab: Lawyer Blew $1.3M · Pennsylvania
Local Fire Chief Embroiled in $45,000 Theft Scandal
A former Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for stealing $45,000 from the fire department and Wilkes-Barre Township in the course of his duties as Chief of that fire department between 2008 and 2011.
John Yuknavich, age 51, was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Edwin M. Kosik to serve six months in federal prison for stealing $45,000 from the fire department and Wilkes-Barre Township.
Yuknavich was responsible for ensuring the deposit of monthly funds received from Wilkes-Barre Township, as well as all other funds received either through charitable contributions or annual state aid received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Yuknavich allegedly deposited only part of the monthly $3,500 check received from Wilkes-Barre Township intended to pay fire department bills, and took the remainder of the check in cash, most of which he used for his personal benefit.
Federal law prohibits theft or intentional misapplication of $5,000 or more from local government programs that receive more than $10,000 in federal funds annually.
The Government also filed an additional sentencing agreement wherein Yuknavich agreed to resign completely from the Wilkes-Barre Township fire department and the Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Hall in all capacities, effective immediately.
He was also ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution. The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News