United States (New Jersey) - A Bergenfield firefighter was admitted into an 18-month probation program on Wednesday, resolving charges that he stole more than $2,000 from a firemen's union account. Edgardo Gomez, 41, also forfeited his paid, full-time firefighting job that he had held for more than 10 years, and he is barred from public employment for life.

The probation program, known as pretrial intervention, is offered to some first-time, non-violent offenders and allows Gomez to resolve the charges without pleading guilty. If he completes the program without any violations, he will not have a criminal record.

"Mr. Gomez accepts responsibility for his actions," defense attorney Patrick Jennings said Wednesday after a brief hearing in state Superior Court in Hackensack. "He looks forward to moving on with his life."

Authorities arrested and charged Gomez with third-degree theft last May, alleging he made ATM withdrawals totaling $2,080 from the Firefighter's Mutual Benefit Association earlier in 2012. Gomez, who was the treasurer of the association, used the money for personal expenses, they said.

Written by The Record

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