Ex-Chief Admits Stealing $18K From First Aid Squad: Prosecutor

The former chief of the Maple Shade First Aid Squad has admitted to stealing more than $118,000 from the agency over a nearly seven year period, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced. Joseph J. Freed III, 54, of Maple Shade, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree theft by deception in exchange for five years in New Jersey state prison.

He must also repay $118,345.50 to Maple Shade Township. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5. He had also been charged with one count each of second-degree elements of computer theft and second-degree misapplication of entrusted property. Freed was accused of making withdrawals from an account only he had access to between Jan. 4, 2011 and Feb. 28, 2017.

Police said Freed had direct control over the account, and used the money he withdrew to pay personal bills and to fund other personal expenses. He made most of his withdrawals from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Freed surrendered to Maple Shade police in June and was subsequently charged. He was fired as the chef of the First Aid Squad shortly before he surrendered. He was indicted in January.

The attached image of Joseph J. Freed was provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office