Former Allin Township fire chief charged with theft

Posted on May 14, 2015

Joshua Deterding is charged with official misconduct, felony theft and money laundering. (Photo courtesy of the McLean County Jail)

By Joe Ragusa

STANFORD – The former fire chief of Allin Township is accused of stealing around $27,000 from the department.

Joshua Deterding, 30, is being held in McLean County Jail on felony theft, official misconduct and money laundering charges.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said the theft occurred between Jan. 2013 and Jan. 2015.

“The Sheriff’s office was informed of possible misappropriation of funds back in early March,” Sandage said. “We started an investigation, which showed that as fire chief, Mr. Deterding had access to the petty cash fund, which included the use of a debit card, which he was using for personal use.”

Sandage said that includes usage at ATMs in bars and gas stations.

Deterding is no longer the fire chief of Allin Township, but Deterding could confirm if he has been let go by the fire department. A message with the Allin Township fire department has not been returned.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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