Loves Park police arrest former volunteer fire association treasurer for alleged theft

July 02--LOVES PARK -- A former treasurer of the Loves Park Volunteer Fire Association is accused of siphoning more than $10,000 from the organization in a three-year span, according to police.

Anthony G. Miceli, 41, of an undisclosed address in Loves Park, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of theft of more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, according to the Loves Park Police Department. Miceli allegedly stole the money from the Volunteer Fire Association between July 1, 2013, and Thursday, police stated.

Police did not disclose how many years Miceli worked for the Loves Park Volunteer Fire Department or served as treasurer with the fire association, but noted he no longer works with either.

The Volunteer Fire Association is an independent organization operated by volunteer firefighters. It is a nonprofit organization that supports various charities in the area, and is independent from the Volunteer Fire Department, according to police.

Miceli couldn't immediately be reached for comment this morning. He is not in the Winnebago County Jail, booking records show.

Loves Park police declined further comment this morning.

Fire Chief Phil Foley said Miceli quit showing up for training sessions about three to four months ago after previously attending such training sessions reliably.

"We figured he just left the department," and removed him from the roster, Foley said. Every year the Volunteer Fire Association has an election to select the next president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Since Miceli's term was up, a new treasurer was voted in, Foley said.

They learned that money was missing when members of the Volunteer Fire Association wanted "to purchase something for the fire department," he said, declining to comment on what association members sought to buy. But they discovered there wasn't enough money, he said, also declining to comment on how much money Miceli allegedly stole.

He declined to comment on how Miceli allegedly spent those funds.

"I just don't understand how somebody entrusted and (who) has a position like he had turned sour," Foley said. "It's just an ugly situation."

Miceli had no prior criminal history, Foley said, and Miceli's actions have been "very disheartening" and left firefighters feeling violated.

Members of the Volunteer Fire Association couldn't be reached for comment.

"He did an injustice to the association, and funds and all the firefighters who belong to the association," Foley said.

Kristen Zambo: 815-987-1339; kzambo@rrstar.com; @KristenZambo

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