The former treasurer and secretary of Cerro Gordo Volunteer Fire and Rescue has been charged with stealing more than $70,000 from the department over the course of ten years.
Tonya Garrell King, 39, was arrested Monday on 26 charges of obtaining property by false pretense, according to detention center reports. Her address was listed as 13455 Rough and Ready Rd., Cerro Godro. She was released on $75,000 unsecured bond.
“This case originally came to light when fire department officials reported suspicious financial activity,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a press release. “Initial inquiries were unable to establish sufficient evidence, and the case was closed.”
Detectives revisited the case after new information and documentation surfaced, allowing the Criminal Investigative Division (CID) to piece together a detailed picture of the financial misconduct.
Warrants show that King allegedly began taking funds from the department as early as March 2015. As late as this month she reportedly wrote checks for up to $8,000 in her name. She served as an EMT as well as secretary and treasurer for the department.
Court documents show that King allegedly wrote checks to herself in amounts ranging from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The money was allegedly used for personal purchases, like a large dining room table.
“Cases like this remind us that justice does not have an expiration date,” Rogers said. “Our investigators treat cold cases with the same seriousness and dedication as current investigations. The hard work and persistence of CID in this matter reflect our commitment to accountability and to protecting the integrity of organizations that serve our community.”
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