lmetz@observer-reporter.com

The former chief and secretary-treasurer of Taylorstown Volunteer Fire Department was sentenced to four years of probation Friday after paying back the majority of money he stole from the department's coffers.

William Raymond McDonough, 43, of 1 Stone Road, Claysville, pleaded guilty to theft and receiving stolen property before Washington County Judge Paul Pozonsky. He was given probation only after he paid $30,000 of the $50,000 he stole between December 2003 and July 2006.

McDonough now must pay the remaining $20,000 before his probationary term ends.

The arrangement was part of a deal that was discussed earlier this month when McDonough waived his case to court before District Judge Jay Dutton.

Trooper Frank Mysza charged McDonough with stealing about $40,000 from the department's general fund. In July 2006, several inconsistencies were found in one of the department's checking accounts, and McDonough was relieved of his duties.

McDonough told Mysza that he would write checks out of the general fund for cash or make the checks payable to himself. He said he took the money for personal use.

Meanwhile, the fire department is continuing to try to resolve its money crunch involving the mortgage on its new fire hall.

Department president and chief engineer Glenn Huston said the company holding its mortgage, First Government Leasing Co., has agreed to a settlement of $130,000 on the $480,000 mortgage. The original mortgage for the new building was obtained through Community Bank, Huston said.

Unbeknownst to fire department members, McDonough paid off the Community Bank loan and obtained the First Government Leasing mortgage.

Fire department bylaws require such moves to receive approval by members, complete with a copy of minutes reflecting the vote. The first inkling for the department about the new mortgage came in the form of a foreclosure notice.

When McDonough took over as treasurer and chief, the general fund contained $140,000, police said. When he was relieved of his duties, the account had $750.

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