Ex-treasurer pleads guilty to 2 charges in Allenport Fire Department theft
The former Allenport Fire Department treasurer pleaded guilty Tuesday to two of the nearly 160 counts she was facing involving the misappropriation of fire department funds.
Traci Fedrick, 38, of 4 Center St., Allenport, pleaded guilty to one count each of theft and conspiracy to commit theft.
A restitution hearing is scheduled Feb. 8.
While prosecutors contend Fedrick and her husband, Victor, took $13,476.46 from the organization over a nine-month period, the couple has claimed much of the money was used for legitimate department expenses.
In notes to prosecutors, Traci Fedrick provided what she claimed was legitimate uses for all but $2,649.11 of the money.
But defense attorney Alan Benyak said Traci Fedrick believes the amount is even less. He said she noted that it was standard practice for fire officials to use the company's credit card to pay for fuel in their personal vehicles if they were driving to training.
“She is accepting her responsibility in all of this and is very remorseful and wants to make the community whole,” Benyak said. “The amount is disputed, but you shouldn't ever misuse any money.”
Last week, Victor Fedrick, 42, of 4 Center St., Allenport, pleaded guilty to one count each of theft, receiving stolen property, access device fraud and criminal conspiracy.
He had been facing 81 counts of access-device fraud and 26 counts each of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy to commit theft. Traci Fedrick had faced 81 counts each of access-device fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit fraud and 26 counts each of theft by unlawful taking or disposition and receiving stolen property.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, RESA Police were contacted by fire department members about discrepancies in the department's account at the Mon Valley Federal Credit Union in Allenport.
Police claim that from May 5, 2010, through Dec. 6, 2010, Traci and Victor Fedrick withdrew about $9,210 from the account.
Police said they learned two signatures were needed to withdraw money from the account and that the Fedricks' signatures were used on each of the withdrawals. The affidavit stated that none of the cash withdrawn was used for fire company business.
In addition, a fuel card issued through Guttman Oil Co. for fire department vehicles was used 81 times from Jan. 4, 2011, through Oct. 31, 2011, at a convenience center at 147 Pennsylvania Ave., Speers; the GetGo, 4285 Route 51, Rostraver Township; and another unidentified business on Lebanon Road in West Mifflin. The total of the purchases was $4,266.46, according to the affidavit.
According to the affidavit, the purchases were for gasoline. Fire department vehicles use diesel fuel.
Prosecutors have made no sentencing recommendations.
“We both expect her to be put on probation,” Benyak said. “She has no record.”
Benyak said Traci Fedrick is looking to the future.
“I think she needed some closure,” Benyak said. “This is a fair resolution. She had to do something to move on with her life.”
Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-684-2642 or cbuckley@tribweb.com.
