First aid chief stole thousands from squad, NJ prosecutor says

MAPLE SHADE — The chief of the local first aid squad who was the only person with access to a department bank account used it as his own personal slush fund, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Joseph J. Freed III, 53, is accused of stealing $118,345.50 from the department's fund from Jan. 4, 2011, until Feb. 28, 2017.

Prosecutor Scott Coffina said Freed was the only member of the department to have access to the account and used the money for personal expenses and bills with most of the withdrawals being done through ATM machines.

Freed has been charged with second-degree theft by deception and second-degree misapplication of entrusted property. Coffina said Freed surrendered at the Maple Shade Police Department and was processed and released pending an initial court hearing on July 10.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com