By Terrie Morgan-Besecker
The Times-Tribune
MOOSIC, Pa. — Admitting he had “betrayed the trust” of the community, a Moosic councilman charged with stealing nearly $400,000 from the Greenwood Hose Company 1 resigned from council Tuesday and vowed to assist others to make amends for his actions.
In a letter of resignation that sounds like an admission to the criminal charges, William Sweeney blamed his actions on a gambling addiction he said “was out of control.”
“I have betrayed the trust of our community and endangered the financial stability of the Greenwood Hose Company,” Mr. Sweeney said in the letter, which was unanimously accepted by council Tuesday night. “There is simply no excuse for my actions.”
Mr. Sweeney, 36, was charged in April with stealing $395,811 from the fire company from 2006 through January. His trial on charges of theft by deception and forgery was scheduled to begin Monday, but it was continued following a pre-trial conference earlier this week.
Prosecutors say Mr. Sweeney, the former president of the fire company, wrote checks from the company’s account to himself and his business, Bitty Bill’s ice cream shop.
In his letter, Mr. Sweeney said he knew he had a gambling problem, but he was powerless to confront it.
“As incomprehensible as it may seem, I am so relieved that the truth is out. I can now start the process of dealing with my issues and making amends to the community that I so love,” he said. “I will always strive to help others wherever allowed and whenever possible.”
Mr. Sweeney, who had not attended a council meeting February, also enclosed a check for $735.65 to reimburse the borough for his council pay from February through June.
Councilman Eugene “Buddy” Prusinski said he hopes this is the first step in helping the community move forward.
“It’s a sad time for the community,” Mr. Prusinski said. “He is taking responsibility, and we hope he can get his problem under control.”
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