Pennsylvania Firefighter Who Stole Station Money, Blames Gambling Addiction

BEAVER, Pa. (AP) -- An Ambridge firefighter said a gambling addiction is to blame for him stealing money from the fire department.

Michael Longo Jr. was in court Thursday when he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that he forged checks and stole money from the Ambridge Fire Department. He told the judge he has agreed to plead guilty under a deal with prosecutors.

Longo will formally enter his plea at a new hearing, which hasn't yet been scheduled. Neither prosecutors nor Longo's attorney would discuss details of the deal.

Longo was charged last week and resigned as Ambridge's constable. He has also been suspended from the fire department.