AUGUSTA — A Pittston Fire Department captain stands accused of stealing more than $1,000 from the Pittston Firemen’s Association.
Daniel Robideau, 38, of Pittston, is charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer. Bail conditions bar him from contact with Pittston firefighters, except for emergencies.
On Tuesday, his attorneys, Tyler Smith and Kevin Sullivan, asked a judge to narrow that list to eight people who are potential witnesses in the case, including Pittston Fire Chief Jason Farris.
Justice Michaela Murphy said she would not do that until the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney James Mitchell Jr., detailed his objections to the change.
Robideau has no criminal history, according to Sullivan’s motion to amend bail.
The complaint was filed in Kennebec County Superior Court on June 24. Robideau was summoned on the charge March 30.
Robideau has not been indicted on the charge and has not entered a plea. He remains free on $500 unsecured bail. The case was investigated by Detective Sgt. Frank Hatch of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.
Farris said Robideau has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending resolution of the charge. Smith said Robideau had been with the Pittston Fire Department for 15 years.
Robideau was most recently treasurer of the firemen’s association, according to Farris, who said the association is separate from the Pittston Fire Department.
“The association raises money to give to the town of Pittston to purchase items for the fire department so fewer taxpayer dollars are required,” Farris said.
Farris said an audit revealed money was missing.
Farris is a member of the Pittston Firemen’s Association, but does not serve on the board.
“The firemen’s association has done a great job of turning everything over to authorities so they can make a decision,” Farris said.
He also said the association’s by-laws were changed to include better checks and balances.
On average, the association raises $3,000 to $5,000 annually.
“That’s a chunk of change we don’t have to ask for from taxpayers,” Farris said, adding that some of the money supports purchases for fire prevention education at Pittston Elementary School.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
badams@centralmaine.com
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