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Former Monessen Fire Department president charged in theft case

By Jon Andreassi 2 min read

The former president of Monessen Fire Department No. 1 is facing accusations he stole more than $31,000 from the agency and then failed to pay the money back.

Monessen police on Wednesday charged Stephen Anthony Gaydos III, 49, of Monessen, with felonies of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.

Charging documents state that department officials reported the theft to police Nov. 15.

According to the criminal complaint, the department first became aware of the missing funds last May, when fire company officials were consolidating bank accounts. Gaydos had access to a Citizens Bank account that held the money the department uses for fundraising and social hall rentals.

Gaydos claimed to close the account and turned in the remaining funds, which allegedly amounted to $7 and change.

According to investigators, Gaydos had not closed the account, and he was also in possession of a debit card unbeknownst to the rest of the department.

Bank records showed that between December 2020 and May 2024, he made transactions totaling $31,695.15. The majority of the transactions were transfers from the fire department account to Gaydos’ personal bank account, court documents state.

At a fire department board meeting, Gaydos allegedly confessed to the other board members that he was responsible for the missing funds. Court records indicate that Gaydos planned to reimburse the department after he sold a rental property.

According to the complaint, Gaydos signed an agreement with the department that he would resign and pay the money back within 60 days or face criminal prosecution. The agreement was signed in the presence of Westmoreland County Magisterial District Judge Wayne Vlasic, police said.

Gaydos claimed to have issues selling his property and received a couple of extensions, but by Nov. 10 he had not paid back any of the money.

Monessen municipal fire Chief Delmar Hepple did not return a phone call seeking comment Thursday.

Gaydos also faces misdemeanor charges of misapplication of entrusted property and access device fraud.

He was arraigned Wednesday afternoon before Judge Vlasic, who released him on $100,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 24.

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