Sides agree former Akron fire union treasurer stole $385,000; sentencing set for June
These were among the long list of items that former Akron fire union treasurer
Ruhlin and
Ruhlin, 41, who pleaded guilty in January to theft in office and tampering with records, will be sentenced
Ruhlin was arrested late last March in
Investigators originally estimated the amount Ruhlin stole at close to
"This was never, ever about guilt or innocence," Jones said. "It was about looking at the evidence."
That's what the two sides did in detail during Monday's hearing, pouring over bank and credit card statements that provided insight into how Ruhlin managed to steal thousands of dollars from the
Ruhlin was having financial problems and filed for bankruptcy before his election as the fire union treasurer in
As treasurer, Ruhlin had access to the union's checking account at the
"When (Ruhlin) took cash withdrawals when he deposited those checks, he was pocketing money his fellow firefighters earned from doing their jobs," Assistant Prosecutor
Brode, union president from
Ruhlin, however, used a union debit card and three union credit cards for myriad personal expenses, including purchases at grocery, hardware and sporting good stores and restaurants, bars and liquor stores, plane tickets and hotel rooms. One of the larger ticket items was a
To replenish the funds he was taking and continue paying the union's expenses, Ruhlin took out high-interest loans from Sign on the Line. These loans incurred a hefty interest totalling
Peacock questioned Brode about the long list of purchases on the union's bank and credit card statements during Ruhlin's tenure as treasurer and Brode confirmed that the vast majority weren't for legitimate union purposes.
Brode said the union's practice was to get a monthly treasurer's report from Ruhlin that showed revenue and spending, but not to look in depth at the union's accounts. Since this happened, he said, the union has adopted additional checks and balances, including having union trustees look over account statements each month.
Prosecutors said Ruhlin's actions resulted in a net loss for the union of
After going back and forth with figures Monday afternoon, Peacock and Jones settled on
With the restitution settled, what now remains to be decided is whether Ruhlin should also go to prison. Prosecutors are pushing for him to get four years. Jones, however, thinks the restitution, combined with a suspended prison sentence and probation, are sufficient.
Ruhlin was terminated from his position with the
Asked why Ruhlin stole from the union, Jones said, "There is no good reason for this." He added, though, that his client is very sorry about what he did.
"His regret and remorse is a visceral, physical thing," Jones said.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705, [email protected] and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.
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