Ex-fire chief, son indicted on fraud charges

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- State authorities say the former chief of a volunteer fire company in central New Jersey and his son improperly received about $46,000 by submitting fraudulent invoices and receipts for reimbursement.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman says 51-year-old Eugene Spiegel and 20-year-old Jacob Spiegel, both of Seaville, are each charged with official misconduct, conspiracy to commit official misconduct and theft by deception. Eugene Spiegel is also charged with falsifying records.

Both Spiegels served with the Seaville Fire and Rescue Company, which initially uncovered the alleged irregularities and reported them to authorities.

Eugene Spiegel stands accused of improperly receiving $44, 722 overall, while Jacob Spiegel got $1,275.

It was not known Wednesday if either man has retained an attorney. Telephone numbers for them could not be located.