Former Somerset County Rescue Squad Captain Arrested For Theft

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — A former North Plainfield Rescue Squad Captain was charged with theft after authorities say he collected $10,000 after the emergency medical service organization had been disbanded.

Larry D. Lee, 32, of Stahls Way, North Plainfield was arrested and charged on Wednesday with third-degree theft by deception, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said.

The SCPO launched an investigation after concerns that money was being sent to the North Plainfield Rescue Squad from 2014 to 2018 and was being accepted and deposited even after the organization had been disbanded, Robertson said.

Lee, who was the Captain of the North Plainfield Rescue Squad, was found to have been accepting and depositing purchase orders for his own benefit over a five year period totaling $10,000 after the emergency medical service organization had been disbanded, Robertson said.

After being charged, Lee was released pending a future court appearance.

"We are aware of the allegations and they are just that, allegations. Mr. Lee had a role in winding down a volunteer organization and acted on the advice and recommendations of professionals. I am confident that Mr. Lee will be cleared by the investigation being performed by the Somerset Prosecutor’s Office," said James A. Abate, who is representing Lee.

Anyone with information relating to the theft is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Special Investigation Unit at 908231-7100 or the North Plainfield Police Department at
908-769-2937 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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