A former Philadelphia police 911 operator has been charged with illegally collecting $55,500 from a fund designated to help city employees actively engaged in the fight against terror.
Fifty-one-year-old Pendarvis Williams is charged with theft by deception and theft by property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake.
“Pendarvis Williams used his position as a member of the armed forces to steal $55,500 from the citizens of Philadelphia which, as a guardsman myself, is deplorable,” said District Attorney Seth Williams. “As a civilian member of the Philadelphia Police Department he should be ashamed, as a soldier who fought in Operation Enduring Freedom he has dishonored his unit and as a thief he should be found guilty and be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Prosecutors said military records indicate that Pendarvis Williams was on active duty in the armed forces from December 2002 through mid-October 2003. He then fulfilled monthly National Guard duties until ordered to full-time Guard duty in May 2004.
Prosecutors said neither position was in support of the war on terror, but he collected 111 $500 checks anyway. The money was intended for city employees on active duty supporting the military response to the Sept. 11, 2003 terror attacks.
Reached by phone, Williams declined comment.
