Home Detention for IN IAFF Official for $30K Embezzlement
Source Chicago Tribune (MCT)
A Gary firefighter who embezzled more than $30,000 from the union he managed the finances for was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to three years of probation.
After entering a plea deal, John T. Springer, 54, pleaded guilty in April to three counts of wire fraud from his time as the secretary-treasurer for Gary Professional Firefighters Association Local 359. From 2008 through 2012, Springer took money for personal expenses, including $12,742 for his child's tuition at a private school in Hammond.
Before a sentencing, the defense and prosecution submit memorandums to the court, suggesting appropriate sentences. In the memorandums filed in Springer's case, both sides agreed Springer had already paid for his crimes before Judge James Moody made his decision Tuesday in Hammond federal court.
"If ranked among other wire fraud schemes based on scope, insidiousness and damage caused, (Springer's) crimes would surely rank near the bottom of the stack," the prosecution said in its memorandum. "It may be that the very bringing of criminal charges against the defendant, given the public shame and embarrassment that likely followed, is enough to provide just punishment for his crimes."
At the time the theft occurred, Springer was going through a divorce, according to defense attorney MacArthur Drake, of Gary, in his memorandum. While the divorce doesn't excuse Springer's actions, it did put a financial strain on his life, Drake said.
"Simply put, the consequences of this conviction all but ensure that no such offense will be committed by Mr. Springer in the future," Drake wrote in his memorandum.
Moody followed the recommendations, and in addition to probation, Springer was sentenced to three months of home detention and must pay $30,315.99 in restitution to the union. Springer initially faced 20 years in prison on the charges.
The defense also filed reference letters to the court on Springer's behalf, including from a fellow church member and Springer's children. The union's former present, Jansen Rollins, also submitted a letter, dated Aug. 5.
"His actions do not reflect his character in any way shape or form," Rollins wrote. "What caused him to use poor judgment, I cannot say. He has always been trustworthy and honest. ... Our union does desire restitution, but we are asking for consideration of any leniency you can extend to Springer."
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