Ex-ambulance squad officials charged with stealing $130K
MORRISVILLE, PA. >> Two former officials from the nowdefunct Morrisville Ambulance Squad have been charged with stealing more than $130,000 through misuse of company bank accounts and insurance fraud.
Ex-chief Brian Michael Eckert, 41, of Falls, and former operations supervisor Ruth “Roxy” Rookstool, 58, of Morrisville, each were charged with multiple felony counts of theft, receiving stolen property, identity theft, forgery, various computer crimes and criminal conspiracy, as well as misdemeanor counts of insurance fraud.
Officials say members of the ambulance squad reported the alleged thefts to police, sparking an investigation which began in July.
Officials determined Eckert and Rookstool used company credit cards and checks between 2011 and March 2018 to make unauthorized payments on personal credit card debt, veterinary care and a squad member’s honeymoon.
The fraudulent checks contained the signature stamp of the squad president without authorization.
Prosecutors say Rookstool also received fraudulent reimbursements from the ambulance squad.
Additionally, Eckert and Rookstool conspired to fraudulently enroll Rookstool in health and dental insurance policies during a period of time in which Rookstool was not working for the company, prosecutors say.
During that time, Morrisville Ambulance Squad paid approximately $27,000 in insurance premiums, while the insurance companies paid out more than $65,000 in claims.
Authorities allege Rookstool directly stole $101,634.55, while Eckert stole $30,785.44.
Rookstool’s bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. Eckert’s bail was set at $30,000 unsecured.