The Citizens’ Voice
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — State theft charges against former Wilkes-Barre Township fire chief John Yuknavich have been dismissed in the wake of his conviction on federal embezzlement charges.
Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough ordered the charges dropped Friday after prosecutors requested the move, citing Yuknavich’s federal plea that will land him in prison for six months. Yuknavich was also sentenced last month to serve six months of house arrest after his release and to repay $45,000 he admitted to stealing from the volunteer fire department.
Yuknavich pleaded guilty in September to a count of stealing from programs that receive federal funds. Prosecutors said that between 2008 and 2011, Yuknavich skimmed money from checks the township gave to the department.
As part of his plea deal, Yuknavich agreed to resign from the department and his association with the township fire hall.
He is due to report to prison by 2 p.m. Feb. 10.
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