A former EMT with the Monroeville Fire Department faces charges for allegedly claiming he worked hundreds of hours that he did not work, getting tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money.
Samuel Levy, 33, of Monroeville, faces charges of receiving stolen property, unlawful use of a computer and two counts of theft by unlawful taking.
According to the complaint filed by detectives with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Levy misappropriated more than $30,000. This allegedly happened between 2019 and this year.
Levy was a member and the president of Monroeville Fire Department Station No. 1. He also worked as a part-time EMT there and at another station in town. He was also a full-time dispatcher for the Monroeville Police Department.
According to the criminal complaint, there was a call to a church that Levy said he worked, but someone who was there said he wasn’t, so they did a review of his timecard.
A couple of things they allegedly found is that the station has what is called a “patient chart.” For every call, in addition to the patient’s information, the EMT who was on the call is listed. Levy’s name wasn’t on several patient charts on calls he put hours down for, according to the complaint.
Investigators found he also allegedly added EMT hours when he as at his job as a dispatcher.
According to the criminal complaint, when Levy was confronted with the allegations, he eventually said he “wanted to make it right.”
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Chief Jason Sonafelt sent the following statement to Channel 11:
“Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 is aware of the recent incident involving one of our members. Our department does not condone this type of behavior and is cooperating fully with investigators.”
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 5 Chief Michael Kohlmann and President John R. Pioth sent Channel 11 the following statement:
“Early February 2023, Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 5 was made aware of discrepancies involving our payroll hours being submitted by one of our part-time paid EMTs. Upon this discovery, we notified Law Enforcement, and a criminal investigation has begun. This employee was immediately suspended. Our department does not condone this type of conduct and we are cooperating fully with this investigation.”
Monroeville Police Chief Kenneth D. “Doug” Cole sent Channel 11 the following statement, in part:
“(Levy) was hired full time as a Dispatcher for the Municipality of Monroeville in June of 2015. He is currently suspended with pay. There is no indication that he was paid incorrectly from the Municipality of Monroeville.”
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