The former Ellsworth fire chief and his estranged wife were charged Tuesday by state police with theft after allegedly stealing from the fire department.
David Robert Lambert, 33, of 5 Maple St., Ellsworth, is charged with access device fraud, theft by deception and identity theft. Charlotte Ann Lambert, 35, of 22 N. Main St., Ellsworth, is charged with receiving stolen property and identity theft. She had been the fire department treasurer.
Trooper David Vanderaar, who filed the charges against the couple with District Judge Curtis Thompson, said that police were notified after fire department officials noticed a few checks they could not reconcile.
"She forged checks, and he opened a Lowe's credit card," Vanderaar said.
Lambert, who stepped down as chief just prior to the start of the state police investigation, allegedly opened the credit card in the fire department's name. The alleged thefts occurred between September 2007 and July 2008.
The Lowe's card was used to purchase a utility trailer, refrigerator and a garage-door opener. The items cost $2,517. Vanderaar said Lambert took the items to his home.
Lambert also ordered tires for his two personal vehicles from Marsh Tire and had the fire department billed for $517. He ordered a pair of handcuffs and emergency and uniform items, using the fire department's accounts to pay for the $1,480 bill.
Charlotte Lambert is accused of writing three checks on the fire department's account for a total of $900 and then forging a signature on the checks.
The Lamberts told police that they were having substantial financial burdens at the time.
Vanderaar said both are being cooperative.
"They just want to rectify the situation," Vanderaar said.