The treasurer of a labor union representing firefighters and EMTs in several Burlington County municipalities has been charged with stealing nearly $10,000 from the organization, according to county Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw.
Williamstown resident Joseph Tull Jr. was charged with Computer Criminal Activity in the second degree, Theft by Deception in the third degree and Misapplication of Entrusted Property in the third degree.
The 38-year-old – a full-time firefighter in Cinnaminson – was taken into custody on March 10 at the prosecutor’s office in Mount Holly and released after being processed. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment, according to a prosecutor’s office press release.
Tull has been placed on administrative leave from the fire department pending the outcome of the case, Chief Philip Drangula said.
“No public funds overseen by the Cinnaminson fire district, or donated money overseen by the fundraising committee of the Cinnaminson fire department are impacted by this case,” he added.
The investigation began in January after union leaders contacted law enforcement to report possible bookkeeping irregularities. It was revealed that Tull allegedly utilized the union’s debit card to withdraw $6,300 from ATMs, which he then deposited into his personal bank account. The investigation further revealed that Tull allegedly used the union’s debit card to spend $3,384 at businesses such as Jersey Mike’s, Rita’s Italian Ice and Wawa.
The labor union, known as the Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3091 of the International Association of Firefighters, represents career firefighters, fire officers and marshals and EMTs in multiple county municipalities.
The investigation was conducted by the Financial Crimes Unit and Det. Troy Sudeck, both of the prosecutor’s office.
