Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said Spears allegedly used the card for his personal gain, including buying dinners while on vacation in Disney World.
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The theft and misuse of credit cards charges are both fifth-degree felonies while falsification is a misdemeanor charge.
“It is a position of trust,” Gmoser said.
The theft and misuse of credit card charges are related to activities from May 24, 2019, through Nov. 21, 2019, and the falsification charge is for a statement made on Jan. 10, according to the indictment. Fairfield Twp. Police Sgt. Brandon McCroskey said a tip from inside the township fire department led to investigation and charges.
Fairfield Twp. Fire Chief Timothy Thomas said Spears has been put on administrative leave during the investigation , and he was waiting on court action before a decision on Spears’ employment status was made.
“I’m waiting to hear back from the (township) attorney as to whether or not we can terminate him at this point,” Thomas said. “It’s one of those things that you hope never happens but unfortunately in associations across the world, it happens too frequently.”
Spears will be issued a summons to appear before Butler County Common Pleas Judge Charles Pater at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
