Treasurer of Thorndale, PA, Volunteer Fire Company Charged with Stealing Money
CALN — The community was hit with shockwaves this June after police announced Mack David Roberts II, 43, has been charged with theft, alleging he stole $11,300 in Volunteer Firefighter Relief Association funds from the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company.
A resident of East Fallowfield, Roberts was the treasurer of the Thorndale Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association, also commonly referred to as Thorndale Fireman’s Relief Fund, in 2025. His term ended in January.
According to police, the thefts began nine months ago and lasted for three months from August until October.
The Caln Township Police Department arrested Roberts last week. He has been charged with nine felonies including three counts of theft by unlawful taking, three counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, and three counts of receiving stolen property. He also faces one misdemeanor charge: tampering with records or identification.
Roberts was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Ann Feldman in East Caln Township, near Downingtown. He was released after posting $5,000 unsecured bail.
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General’s Bureau of Fire Relief Audits discovered the criminal activity, police said. The department distributes state aid for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations across the commonwealth to provide equipment, insurance and additional support to volunteer firefighters and their respective services.
“We are taking this matter seriously,” said David Bentley, president of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, on Friday.
“Pending further legal action, Mr. Roberts is suspended from the Thorndale Fire Company and Thorndale Fire Company Fireman’s Relief Association,” Bentley said.
“We are committed to ensuring that all relevant facts are established through the proper legal process,” he said.
Roberts never served as the treasurer of Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company and never gained access to any of the company’s bank accounts or funds, Bentley noted. He also confirmed Roberts’ tenure as the Thorndale Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association treasurer — a separate elected office from the Thorndale Fire Company treasurer position — ended on Jan. 12.
Both organizations continue to fully cooperate with all appropriate law enforcement authorities and the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, and support the ongoing investigation, Bentley said.
Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company and Thorndale Volunteer Company Fireman’s Relief Association “maintain a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” Bentley said. “Any conduct that violates these standards is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our organizations.”
As of Friday afternoon, Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company had answered 389 emergency calls thus far in 2025. These local heroes responded to 719 fire and rescue incidents in 2025.
“We currently have 15 active emergency responders serving the residents, merchants and visitors of Caln Township,” Bentley said.
“We all remain dedicated to upholding our mission statement for the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, the Thorndale Volunteer Company Fireman’s Relief Association and the Township of Caln,” he said.
Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company’s charter was established on April 18, 1939.
Roberts is scheduled to return to district court before Judge Feldman for his preliminary hearing on June 24.
To share a news tip, contact Detective Christopher Traini with the Caln police force by calling 610-383-1821, extension 124.
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