United States (Pennsylvania) - A Monroe County man was arrested Monday for allegedly stealing nearly $100,000 from the Promised Land Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department while he was treasurer. Stuart Ferber, 44, of Canadensis, was charged with theft, identity theft and access device fraud by state police in Blooming Grove. He used the money for personal reasons, including trips to Atlantic City and the Mansfield area where he has a seasonal camper, according to the affidavit.

He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jay Rose and released on his own recognizance. His preliminary hearing is 11 a.m. July 7.

According to the affidavit, the fire department contacted state police in January to report money missing from accounts. Fire department members told Trooper Sandra Van Luvender they began noticing money was missing in August when they were not able to pay bills.

Trooper Van Luvender was also told Mr. Ferber, who had been treasurer since 1998, admitted to stealing the money and subsequently resigned, according to the affidavit.

Mr. Ferber also allegedly provided a $10,000 check as restitution to the fire department.

An audit by fire department President Amy Walck in cooperation with the state auditor general's office determined Mr. Ferber allegedly stole $96,664.12 from the fire department with checks, debit purchases and cash withdrawals.

An unidentified woman who answered the phone at Mr. Ferber's house Monday afternoon would not comment. Efforts to reach Promised Land Fire Chief Terry Walck were unsuccessful Monday.

Written by The Times-Tribune