CNB Crime: Maple Shade First Aid Squad Chief Joe Freed III Arrested for Stealing Agency Funds
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Maple Shade Police Chief Gary C. Gubbei announced today that the chief of the Maple Shade First Aid Squad has been charged with stealing more than $118,000 from the agency over a six-year period.
Joseph J. Freed III, 53, of the 400 block of North Coles Avenue in Maple Shade, was charged with Theft by Deception (Second Degree) and Misapplication of Entrusted Property (Second Degree).
In total, he is accused of stealing $118,345.50. The thefts for which Freed is charged occurred between January 4, 2011 and February 28, 2017.
The investigation revealed that Freed made several withdrawals over that period from a bank account that was under his direct control. Freed, who was the only member of the squad with access to the account, used the money to pay personal bills and to fund other personal expenses. The majority of the withdrawals were made using automatic teller machines.
Freed surrendered himself this afternoon at the Maple Shade Police Department, where he was processed and released pending a first appearance in Superior Court scheduled for July 10.
The charges will be presented to a grand jury in the near future for possible indictment. The case will be prosecuted by Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew R. McDonnell, the supervisor of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit.
The case was investigated by detectives from Maple Shade Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit. The investigation was led by Maple Shade Detective Sergeant Scot Wallace and BCPO Det. Wayne Comegno.
CNB NOTE: THE SUSPECT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE