March 18 --The inconsistencies began to jump out at Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Capt. Jason DeLorenzo. The Lake Engine 3 had not left its station all January, but the statement for the credit card used to gas it up showed three fill-ups.
State police charged Aaron Joseph Rossignol, 36, of 1447 Lake Ariel Highway, on Monday for using the Wayne County fire company's credit cards for his personal use, after admitting to the thefts during 2013 and 2014.
However, a review of monthly card statements from 2011 and 2012 reveals the same inconsistencies, bringing the total fraudulent charges to $8,330.62 from April 25, 2011, through Jan. 22, state police at Honesdale said in a criminal complaint.
Mr. Rossignol has had his membership permanently revoked, according to a fire company news release.
"It is with deep regret that the Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Department must acknowledge that one of its members has been using monies for personal benefit," the release states.
Capt. DeLorenzo began taking a closer look at the monthly statements in February, since January's statement seemed puzzlingly high, according to the criminal complaint.
Highhouse Oil Co. Inc., which holds an account with the fire company, told Capt. DeLorenzo that Mr. Rossignol had duplicated the credit cards in March 2013.
Fire Chief Michael DiPierro told Capt. DeLorenzo he was unaware of the duplicate cards when asked about them. Capt. DeLorenzo also asked about a credit card labeled the "Station Card," which is assigned to Chief DiPierro and was used multiple times throughout 2013. Chief DiPierro, however, said he has never used the card and did not even know the card's personal identification number.
"We request that the community stand behind the Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Department as we adjust the bylaws and rules so this circumstance cannot happen again in the future," the news release continues. "We are here, working together as a team to serve our community and we are doing everything we can to keep this firehouse running smoothly. As a volunteer organization, the community is very important to us."
Efforts to reach Mr. Rossignol were unsuccessful.
State police are also investigating a PayPal account linked on the fire company's website where donations can be made. Anyone who has ever made a donation to the fire company using the PayPal account should contact state police at 570-253-7126.
He was charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.
He was arraigned on $25,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26.
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