THEFT/FORGERY ARREST - BIRDSBORO UNION FIRE CO.
News Date: Monday, August 14, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THEFT / FORGERY ARREST
DEFENDANT: Kenneth J. LONG (61 years of age)
Birdsboro, PA
Kenneth J. Long
CHARGES: Theft by Unlawful Taking (F1)
Theft by Deception (F1)
Receiving Stolen Property (F1)
Forgery (F2) – 3 Counts
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the Berks County District Attorney Detectives were contacted by the Birdsboro Police department regarding a report of theft from the Birdsboro Union Fire Company (BUFD), 214 W. 1st Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508. Members of the union reported that more than $500,000 dollars is suspected to have been removed from their accounts over an eight (8) year period. Fire company trustees suspected that their treasurer, Kenneth Long, was the person responsible for taking the funds.
Berks County Detectives assumed and initiated the criminal investigation into the missing money. As part of this investigation, numerous bank records were obtained, and a forensic accounting audit was requested to determine the amount of money taken from the accounts belonging to the BUFD.
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Kenneth Long was interviewed by members of the Berks County Detectives. Long admitted to utilizing fire company funds to support his gambling habit. Long also admitted to forging the signatures of other fire company members on fictitious treasurer’s reports for the purpose of concealing the missing money.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the results of the forensic accounting audit were provided to the Berks County Detectives. This audit revealed that between 2016 and 2023, Kenneth Long had stolen a total of $899,968.36 from various bank accounts belonging to the Birdsboro Union Fire Company.
On Monday, August 14, 2023, the defendant was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, and three (3) counts of Forgery. A warrant of arrest was issued for Long by District Judge David Glass.
On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Defendant surrendered to members of the Berks County Detectives. He was taken in custody and transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Department Central Processing Center for processing and was arraigned. Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. He remains free awaiting further court action.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant, Kenneth J. Long is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Berks County Detectives assumed and initiated the criminal investigation into the missing money. As part of this investigation, numerous bank records were obtained, and a forensic accounting audit was requested to determine the amount of money taken from the accounts belonging to the BUFD.
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Kenneth Long was interviewed by members of the Berks County Detectives. Long admitted to utilizing fire company funds to support his gambling habit. Long also admitted to forging the signatures of other fire company members on fictitious treasurer’s reports for the purpose of concealing the missing money.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the results of the forensic accounting audit were provided to the Berks County Detectives. This audit revealed that between 2016 and 2023, Kenneth Long had stolen a total of $899,968.36 from various bank accounts belonging to the Birdsboro Union Fire Company.
On Monday, August 14, 2023, the defendant was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, and three (3) counts of Forgery. A warrant of arrest was issued for Long by District Judge David Glass.
On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Defendant surrendered to members of the Berks County Detectives. He was taken in custody and transported to the Berks County Sheriff’s Department Central Processing Center for processing and was arraigned. Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. He remains free awaiting further court action.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant, Kenneth J. Long is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.