NOLA.com
HARVEY, La. — A Harvey fire chief was acquitted and his top deputy found guilty Thursday (June 19) of theft in connection with $325,000 in questionable spending using the fire department’s credit cards and checks. Chief Scott Berthelot was found not guilty of theft and conspiracy to commit theft by Judge Glenn Ansardi of the 24th Judicial District Court.
But former Deputy Chief Michael Reason was convicted of theft and additional charges of unauthorized use of moveables and filing false public records. He was accused of using public money to buy a sexual enhancement device and a pair of Oakley sunglasses.
Prosecutors said the Harvey Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 received $2.7 million annually from taxpayers to provide fire protection. Over a five-year period, ending in January 2012, Berthelot and Reason spent more than $325,000 in taxpayer money on gifts, flowers, hotel stays and social activities. Expenses raised during the trial were $12,000 for 18 gold watches for lifetime members, $6,400 to send firefighters to a convention in New Orleans and $162,000 on meals and social functions.
Full story: Harvey fire chief acquitted, ex-deputy chief convicted of theft charges