Chief Stole Over $118K From South Jersey First Aid Squad, Authorities Say

The chief of the Maple Shade First Aid Squad has been charged with stealing more than $118,000 from the agency over a six-year period, authorities announced. Joseph J. Freed III, 53, of Maple Shade, is accused of stealing $118,345.50 between Jan. 4, 2011 and Feb. 28, 2017. During that period, authorities allege he made withdrawals from an account only he had access to.

Freed was charged with second-degree theft by deception and second-degree misapplication of entrusted property, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Maple Shade Police Chief Gary C. Gubbei said.
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 on Wednesday. He was processed and released pending a first appearance in Superior Court scheduled for July 10. The charges will be presented to a grand jury in the near future for possible indictment.

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