Treasurer Of Montco Fire Company Stole $43K From Department: DA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A Montgomery County woman and member of a local volunteer fire company has been arrested after authorities said she used her position to steal more than $43,000 from the department.

Kengra S. Taylor, 46, of Mont Clare, faces multiple felonies related to the thefts from the West End Fire Company, located on 112 Rice Street in Stowe, the District Attorney's Office announced.

The West End Fire chief reported a theft of funds back on Sept. 12, 2019, when an investigation launched.

West Pottsgrove Police determined that Taylor had opened an unauthorized credit card account in the name of the fire company, and used the card and other department funds for 87 separate personal transactions, the DA said.

Those purchases included Harley Davidson motorcycles, auto loans, vacations, and retail purchases at Costco and Wine and Spirit stores, according to authorities.

In her position as treasurer, Taylor was "solely responsible" for the fire company's four bank accounts, police said.

"It's unfortunate, but sadly, not completely uncommon," DA Kevin Steele said in announcing the charges. "This theft serves as a reminder that non-profit organizations of any kind - whether it’s a fire company or a kids’ baseball team—needs to have checks on any volunteer treasurer such as having a different volunteer reconcile the bank account each month or requiring two signatures on all checks."

Charges against her include dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, access device fraud, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, and receiving stolen property.

Taylor's bail was set at $25,000. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 17.