The treasurer of the McHenry Firefighters Association, who is a firefighter, has been charged with stealing over $40,000 in funds from the non-profit organization, police said.
John A. Kuhl, 54, of the 700 block of Legend Lane in McHenry, was charged with one count of theft, a Class 2 felony, and one count of using a debit card with the intent to defraud, a Class 4 felony.
The McHenry Firefighters Association, which is a separate entity from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, is a not-for-profit organization.
The association is separated into two branches, one in which members of the fire department pay dues and the other which conducts fundraising for local charities and scholarships.
The fire association filed a report with police on October 19 after finding discrepancies with their bank accounts, according to McHenry Deputy Police Chief Thomas Walsh.
Funds had been withdrawn from the association’s fraternal account without authorization between April 2019 and September 2021, Walsh said.
The McHenry Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted an extensive investigation.
Walsh said that evidence showed Kuhl, who was the association’s treasurer, withdrew over $40,000 in funds belonging to the McHenry Firefighters Association without authorization.
Kuhl was arrested without incident by the McHenry Police Department on November 5.
In a statement, the McHenry Township Fire Protection District said they are aware of the allegations against Kuhl, who is a part-time firefighter/paramedic for the district.
Kuhl has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal district investigation, fire officials said.
Kuhl was processed at the police department and released after posting 10% of his $40,000 bond.
A court hearing is scheduled for December 6.