Someone should’ve pulled the robbery alarm. The Briarcliffe Volunteer Fire Department's treasurer has been charged with stealing funds.
Lisa Butler, who served as the company’s treasurer for over a decade, stole more than $100,000 over the course of two years, according to prosecutors. She then allegedly used the money for shopping trips and living expenses. Her husband spent more than 20 years with as a volunteer firefighter with the department, according to the Daily Times. District Attorney Michael Green stressed there was no absolutely evidence to suggest any involvement by the husband.
The fire department required both Butler and another board member to sign off on checks. Investigators claim that Butler would ask board members to sign blank checks and she would then write them off to herself.
Prosecutors say Butler wrote 35 checks in all to herself and her husband and then deposited the money in a joint bank account. Her husband didn’t know about his wife’s alleged thefts, said investigators.
Butler, 37, was caught after she was suspended for fighting with another woman, according to investigators. After she was forced to turn over the books, officials noticed the missing cash.
An attorney for the fire company said that an insurance claim should cover most of the lost funds.
As for Butler, she confessed to the crime and is now cooperating with investigators. Despite this, her lawyer Anthony List offered a mild defense.
“Maybe she was in over her head,” said List.
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