The Santa Fe New Mexican
SANTA FE, N.M. — A Santa Fe Fire Department paramedic charged with spending thousands of dollars by using a dead patient’s debit card is out of a job.
Officials confirmed Tuesday that Michael Harcharik, 31, is no longer employed by the city.
Investigators arrested Harcharik on April 11 on suspicion that he charged more than $11,200 to a debit card he allegedly stole from a man who died unattended.
After his release from jail on bond the next day, city officials said Harcharik would return to work on alternate duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. A city spokesman said Harcharik was no longer employed by the city as of Friday but wouldn’t say whether he resigned or was fired.
In an interview with The New Mexican last month, the city firefighters union’s president said he would support an effort by city officials to fire the paramedic.
Police allege Harcharik stole the card and went on a shopping spree, using it for at least 49 transactions, including purchase of a $1,624 riding lawnmower.
Harcharik is charged in Magistrate Court with theft of a credit card and fraudulent use of a credit card.
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