By Paul Purpura
The Times-Picayune
NEW ORLEANS — Two former top officials at the Harvey Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 were charged in state court Friday with theft and conspiracy for allegedly using public money on personal items over a 5-year period. Scott M. Berthelot, 48, the former chief, and Michael J. Reason, 44, the former president and deputy chief, allegedly used credit cards for vacations and a fire company checking account for groceries, florists and $12,000 for customized watches they purchased for themselves and others, according to court records.
“Here you have a fire district that’s supposed to be governed by these people and-or supervised by them, and they’re using the assets and the money of that fire district for their own personal purposes,” said Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche, who said his organization initiated the investigation after receiving tips.
Berthelot and Reason each were charged with two counts of theft and two counts of conspiracy to commit theft. Additionally, Reason was charged with unauthorized use of movables totaling more than $1,000, and of three counts of filing false public records, for allegedly providing fake requisitions.
Full story: Former Harvey fire department officials charged with theft and conspiracy