EMS chief receives 3-year sentence for stealing funds
MOUNT HOLLY » From the squad house to the jailhouse.
Former Maple Shade First Aid Squad Chief Joseph J. Freed III, 54, was sentenced Thursday to three years in state prison for pilfering more than $118,000 from the agency during a seven-year-period, Burlington County prosecutors announced in a press release.
Authorities said Freed, of the 400 block of North Coles Avenue in Maple Shade, stole the funds between April 2010 and February 2017. He basically used the squad’s money as his own personal bank account.
Prosecutors outlined Freed — the sole member to have access to the account — used the money from the squad to pay personal bills and fund other expenses. An investigation revealed Freed made several withdrawals using ATM machines.
In March, the disgraced chief pleaded guilty to one count of theft by deception. He was fired from his chief position in May 2017 after his arrest.
“We rely on emergency medical personnel to help us during times of urgent need,” Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said in a statement. “We hold them in high regard due to their life-saving skills and their commitment to those that they serve. A breach of public trust of this nature is painful for the public to absorb because of the pride they have in their first responders. Fortunately, these criminal acts were discovered and this defendant will be punished for his actions.”
Prosecutors said one of ex-chief’s relatives made restitution on behalf Freed for $118,345.
Authorities attributed the successful prosecution of the case to the work of detectives from Maple Shade Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. Maple Shade Detective Sgt. Scot Wallace and BCPO Detective Wayne Comegno led the investigation.