The Tribune-Democrat
BOSWELL, Pa. — A former volunteer firefighter will appear in Somerset County Court, accused of stealing from the Jerome Volunteer Fire Department.
Douglas R. Winning, 31, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday before District Judge Susan Mankamyer of Boswell.
Winning appeared in court without an attorney — choosing instead to represent himself.
Conemaugh Township police allege Winning stole raffle items for weekly fundraisers and cash from fire department’s vending machines.
He made off with at least $1,700 in goods from the fire company, including $800 in soda machine cash to fund a drug habit, police said.
“We want to seek restitution so the fire department can get the monies back,” police Detective Michael Popma said after the proceeding.
“These folks work long hours to raise money,” Popma said. “They trusted somebody that was suppose to be working with them and not against them.”
Winning allegedly took a remote-style key to access the machines and swiped various amounts of money over time. He also is accused of breaking into a cabinet for three raffle items - stuffed animals with hundreds of dollars in lottery tickets attached.
The stuffed animals were destroyed by Winning to cover his tracks, police allege.
Winning is charged with felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass, plus related misdemeanors.
He remains free on unsecured bond and was told to stay clear of the fire department.
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