Ex-Morrisville Ambulance Chief, Supervisor Stole $130,000: Cops

MORRISVILLE, PA — The former chief and a supervisor of Morrisville Ambulance embezzled more than $130,000 from the now-defunct operation, according to charges against them.

Brian Eckert, 41, of Langhorne, the company's former chief, was arraigned Thursday on charges of theft, conspiracy to commit theft, forgery, insurance fraud and other charges, according to court records.

Ruth "Roxy" Rookstool, 58, of Morrisville, is expected to be arraigned in the case next week. Rookstool worked as a supervisory with the ambulance company.

According to an affidavit of charges in the case, Eckert is alleged to have stolen a total of $30785.44 via insurance fraud, direct stealing, fake reimbursements and other methods. Rookstool is accused of stealing $101,634.55.

The Morrisville Ambulance Squad was contracted by Morrisville Borough and Falls Township to respond to 911 and other calls. It was funded primarily by taxpayer money from the two governments.

Detectives began investigating the case on July 10, looking into transactions with banks and other entities dating back to 2011. Computers and other records were seized from the company as part of the investigation, according to the affidavit.

Investigators say money from the squad's M&T Bank account was used for such expenses as a honeymoon, to pay Eckert's credit card bills and his Amazon Prime membership and an animal hospital visit.

Rookstool is also alleged to have reimbursed herself thousands of more dollars than she should have gotten for using her personal credit card to buy stamps and other items for the company.

Eckert has been released on a $30,000 unsecured bail. His next court appearance is set for Nov. 20.

Photo of Brian Eckert courtesy Bucks County District Attorney's office