Limerick Man, Former Cop, Reportedly Heads To Trial For Stealing Union Funds

A former Easttown Township Police Department officer is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing funds from the township's police union over five years.

Joseph C. Lewis, 35, of Limerick, was charged with felony theft by unlawful taking, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, and receiving stolen property according to court records.
Lewis is set to stand trial on April 18 for the charges and is out after posting a bond for $2,500 bail on Nov. 23 after being arraigned the same day, court records show.

According to Daily Local News, Lewis is accused of stealing $25,541 from the bank account of the Easttown Township Police Association (ETPA).

Lewis allegedly stole the money between 2012 and 2016 and used the money to pay for a doctorate program's tuition and at the Valley Forge Casino, the outlet reports.

“In Chester County, we are fortunate that our police are some of the most law-abiding and ethical people in the community,” Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said in a statement. “However, they are not infallible. When a police officer breaks the law, they are treated like any other criminal defendant.

Easttown Manager Dan Fox issued the following statement on behalf of the police department Friday:

“Officer Lewis is no longer employed with Easttown,” Easttown Township Manager Dan Fox told Daily Local News. “Easttown has worked closely with the District Attorney’s Office on related law enforcement issues. But because the situation involves personnel issues, we can make no other comment.”

With reporting by Patch staff writer Max Bennett

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