Crime & Safety

Former U. Gwynedd Fire Co. Treasurer Stole $250,000 in Funds, Says D.A.

Ronald "Ken" Nolan is accused of stealing nearly a quarter-million dollars to fund luxurious trips to Jamaica, China and Las Vegas, and to pay for his daughter's wedding in Las Vegas. He also allegedly used the money to gamble, authorities allege.

Written by Tony DiDomizio


Former Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Co. treasurer Ronald "Ken" Nolan has been arrested and charged with stealing $250,000 in funds from the nonprofit fire company between 2006 and 2012, and using the money to pay for his daughter's wedding and trips to Jamaica and China, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

Nolan has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, theft by failure to make required deposits of funds received, access device fraud, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and misapplication of entrusted property, according to authorities.

Nolan, an employee of Upper Gwynedd Township, was treasurer of the fire company for 24 years, police said. In December 2012, Nolan was voted out during an election for leadership.

The incoming treasurer, Eric Geiger, began to examine the fire company's finances and found irregularities that led to a criminal investigation by the Montgomery County District Attorney.

An audit found that Nolan allegedly stole $249,703.77 of fire company funds during his time in the volunteer role as treasurer, according to the district attorney.

Authorities allege Nolan took cash advances from the fire company's bank accounts in the amount of $116,000, and that he allegedly used two credit cards linked to the fire company's account to fund personal expenses.

These expenses included 15 trips to Las Vegas, and trips to Miami, Reno, Jamaica and China, according to the district attorney.

Nolan also allegedly used the funds to pay for his daughter's 2006 wedding celebration in Las Vegas, police said, including airline fare for wedding guests. 

Nolan also allegedly purchased jewelry, computers, clothing, spa visits and sports tickets, police said. 

Nolan also allegedly withdrew thousands of dollars in cash from the fire company's account to gamble, authorities said.

Montgomery County Detective Joe Kelly filed an affidavit charging Nolan with the alleged offenses on Aug. 22. On Aug. 23, Nolan surrendered to police.

Nolan will be arraigned Friday morning before District Judge Robert Sobeck in Blue Bell.

Assistant District Attorney Noah Marlier is assigned to prosecute the case.


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