N.J. Capt. Pleads Guilty to Theft From Department

-- Oct. 15--A former Camden City fire captain pleaded guilty on Friday to stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the department, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said. John Merklein of Sewell admitted to stealing from the department's "house fund," money the union deducts from firefighter's paychecks to pay for firehouse needs, such as food, bathroom supplies, and other items, authorities said.

Source The Philadelphia Inquirer

Oct. 16, 2011

Oct. 15--A former Camden City fire captain pleaded guilty on Friday to stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the department, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said.

John Merklein of Sewell admitted to stealing from the department's "house fund," money the union deducts from firefighter's paychecks to pay for firehouse needs, such as food, bathroom supplies, and other items, authorities said.

Merklein repaid $27,000 before the theft was reported to the Prosecutor's Office over the summer. The money was accessible through a credit card Merklein used for personal expenses. He has been dismissed.

Under the plea agreed to in Superior Court in Camden County, Merklein forfeited his right to hold public office in New Jersey. -- Darran Simon