Bangor Daily News
BELFAST, Maine — Thorndike Fire Chief George Russell was arraigned in district court here Tuesday on a charge of theft after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 from the Thorndike Volunteer Fire Department over the course of several months in 2014.
Russell, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft by unauthorized taking. Waldo County Assistant District Attorney Neil McLean said Wednesday that the case is now heading for trial, with a docket call set for Oct. 5.
McLean said the state is alleging that Russell took “well in excess” of $1,000 from the fire department between July 1, 2014, and Dec. 3, 2014. The fire chief is accused of misusing a debit/credit card that was assigned to the fire department, McLean said. It’s unclear exactly how the alleged misuse of funds came to light, but Maine State Police Detective Scott Bryant investigated and issued Russell a summons in April. Efforts to reach Bryant this week were not successful.
Russell was indicted last week by the Waldo County Grand Jury on the charge of theft.
He remains the head of the town’s small volunteer fire fighting crew, according to his attorney, Harris Mattson of Belfast.
“I think at this point, it’s best not to comment” on the case, Mattson said Wednesday.
Thorndike Selectman Larry Ward said the town had no official comment on the pending case.
“Perhaps in the future,” he said. “I would not want to compromise [the case].”
Copyright 2015 Bangor Daily News
All Rights Reserved