From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
Summit Volunteer Fire chief, Paul Robertson, has been convicted of cashing checks from the Summit Fire Department and depositing to her account for personal use.
Forty-four year old Robertson was found guilty of first-degree theft according to Carol Robinson. Robertson will be sentenced and have a restitution hearing at a later date, but the trial court has restricted her from having any contact with the Summit Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
Roberts, arrested in 2016, was charged with using more than $2,500 of public funds for personal use while serving with the Summit Fire Department as fire chief.
Robertson has continued to work for the Summit Fire Department since her arrest two years ago.
Earlier this week, Michael Claude Watson, former chief at the Bangor Volunteer Fire Department, plead guilty to two felonies from 2013 including using more than $2,500 public funds and converting $1,476.00 in public funds to personal use while serving as fire chief.
“I know the actions of the two individuals involved in these matters are not reflective of the good character of the dozens of men and women in our communities who volunteer their time to serve as fire fighters and emergency medical personnel,” Blount County District Attorney Casey said.
Casey also commended the individuals in each case who reported these crimes to law enforcement officials. “I know it is not always easy to step forward and report public corruption. But, it is the right thing to do.”