By FireRescue1 Staff
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A former U.S. Air Force fire chief was indicted Wednesday for stealing more than $133,000 in charity donations.
James E. Podolske Jr., 59, faces procurement fraud and wire fraud charges between the years 2009 and 2013, reported WFTV.
The Department of Justice alleges that after Podolske sought donations for an awards banquet and charity golfing outing for the Air Force, he used most of the funds for vacation and gambling.
Podolske faces charges for releasing a big proposal to a defense contractor to give it an advantage during the bidding process.
The 37-year veteran firefighter oversaw 9,200 military and civilian firefighters and was named chief of the Air Force Fire Emergency Services in 2013.
The former chief faces 25 years in prison and fines totaling $500,000 if convicted.