JOHNSON CO., Ind. --
A Johnson County grand jury is expected to investigate whether two White River Township firefighters stole tens of thousands of dollars from taxpayers.
According to an audit released by the State Board of Accounts, firefighters Anthony Slusher and Mike Rude were paid more than $25,000 for overtime they never worked.
"It's the taxpayers' money," White River Township Fire Chief Jeremy Pell said. "Everything we can do to use it and further protect the firefighters on the street is vital. This is a lot money."
Auditors said Slusher reported overtime on his time sheets that he had not worked, totaling more than $7,800.
According to the audit, Rude obtained a password to hack into the time keeping system and log 1,660 hours worked for a total of more than $17,700.
"I define a good firefighter as a man or woman of integrity, duty, honor and pride," said Pell. "These men fell short. It is absolutely unacceptable."
Pell said after a thorough investigation, both firefighters were terminated.
"Our response was very swift," Pell said.
The State Board of Accounts has requested both firefighters repay the money.
To date, Slusher has repaid a little more than $1,000, while Rude has not repaid anything, officials said.
The Attorney General's office may file a civil suit to recoup the rest of the money, spokesman Bryan Corbin said.
The White River Township Fire Department had insurance policies that may allow them to recoup the money as well.
Anthony Slusher now works for the Madison Township Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic.
6News contacted Madison Township Fire Chief Kenny VanSlyke on Wednesday for comment, but he did not return our phone calls.
Slusher refused to talk on camera citing his attorney's advice, but in a statement said he was wrongfully terminated.
"I never intentionally made claims for time work or maliciously strived to gain hours I did not work," Slusher said. "Upon my legal team's examination of the payroll records in a 20 month period ranging from 2005 to 2009, we found over 200 discrepancies between time cards and time sheets. We concluded that White River Fire Department time system has systematic flaws."
Firefighter Mike Rude also refused an on-camera interview but said he is innocent.
"I feel that all of this is a cover up to other wrong doings within the payroll system at the questioned time within the White River Township Fire Department," Mike Rude said in a statement to state auditors.
Rude was also fired from the Lawrence Fire Department last year following allegations of sexual harassment.
Chief Pell admitted their time system wasn't perfect, but said it had been overhauled and staff had been retrained since the incidents.
"We've changed passwords and limited the number of people who have access," Pell said. "I'm very confident it's not going to happen here again."
Pell said they asked the State Board of Accounts to audit them, and also requested the help of IT professionals.
The Johnson County grand jury will convene at a later date to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
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