A Cincinnati fire captain was indicted Thursday for allegedly taking money from a firehouse fund used for the needs of all firefighters.

        Capt. Brian Crutchfield, an eight-year Cincinnati Fire Department veteran, is charged with three felony counts of theft and one felony count of tampering with evidence. It is alleged he stole as much as $3,500 between December 2000 and April 2001.

        Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen said Capt. Crutchfield had been with Engine Company 3 at Ninth and Broadway Streets. He was transferred to another firehouse in June 2001.

        The new captain of Engine Company 3 “noticed some discrepancies in the house fund bank records (Capt. Crutchfield) left behind,” Mr. Allen said. “The most glaring discrepancy was that there were no records.”

        It is also believed that the captain switched the house fund account from the Cincinnati Firefighters Credit Union to an account at Fifth Third Bank and had his personal Jeanie card attached to the account.

        Capt. Crutchfield is the second Cincinnati firefighter in as many months accused of stealing money from a fire company's house fund.

        Last month, Cincinnati Fire Lt. Steve Schneuer was indicted on three felony counts of theft for allegedly taking more than $1,000 between August and November.

        Firefighters make contributions to the firehouse funds every two-week pay period. The money is used to buy incidentals such as condiments and other food and have been used to purchase televisions or even exercise equipment — items that the city doesn't provide.

        Capt. Crutchfield must undergo a pre-disciplinary hearing and could face suspension without pay.

        If convicted as charged, he could face up to eight years in prison.

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