Ambridge police chief will face trial on theft charges

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — Ambridge police Chief Jim Mann will face trial on theft charges.

"It's a nightmare, it's unbelievable," Mann said.

>>RELATED: Suspended Ambridge police chief facing new felony charges

After three and a half hours of testimony, a judge ruled there was enough evidence to move the case forward.

Mann is suspended without pay after his officers came forward with allegations that he doubled and triple dipped when it came to receiving his pay over the course of 2017 and 2018 while he was on disability.

The prosecution says over the course of a year and a half. Mann stole more than $50,000 from Ambridge borough by doctoring his time sheets. They say he put in for sick time, vacation time and holiday pay, sometimes all in the same day.

The defense said it has evidence that all pay was approved.

In an unusual twist, there was a show of solidarity from Ambridge officers when at least eight came to court to support not the chief, but the colleagues who testified against their boss.

RELATED:

• Charges filed against Ambridge police chief
• Police chief placed on administrative leave, under investigation
• Suspended local police chief in court on charges related to department operations
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The charges go so far as to say when the chief found out about the investigation against him, that he lashed out at his officers, threatening, intimidating and even suspending one of them.

Mann’s attorney says the chief has no authority to suspend anyone and that Mann‘s time sheets were all approved by the borough.

Even with the criminal charges against him and the tension between him and his fellow officers, Mann wants to go back to work for Ambridge.

Cox Media Group