Ex-Chief Sentenced For Stealing $18K From First Aid Squad: Cops

The former chief of the Maple Shade First Aid Squad has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey state prison after admitting 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, previously pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree theft by deception. As part of the plea deal, Assistant Prosecutor Andrew R. McDonnell requested a five-year sentence. However, the Hon. Charles A. Delehey, J.S.C., handed down a three-year term following a hearing this week, according to the prosecutor’s office.

A relative recently repaid restitution in the amount of $118,345.50 to Maple Shade Township, according to the prosecutor’s office.

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