CLEARFIELD – A former fire chief accused of using a township credit card to purchase fuel for his own personal use pleaded guilty in sentencing court Tuesday.
Shane R. Nevling, 36, of Clearfield pleaded guilty to felony access device fraud and misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking and identity theft before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman, who sentenced him to two months to one year in jail with one-year consecutive probation.
According to the affidavit, Nevling, who was the Hyde Company fire chief, was seen by a witness at a business putting fuel in a non-fire department vehicle. This was reported to one of the Lawrence Township supervisors.
During an investigation into purchases to these credit accounts, photos of the transactions were obtained, which showed Nevling fueling his personal vehicles.
Prior to sentencing, Nevling apologized to the residents of the county, saying he “let them down.” He also commented that stealing was “not what I intended to do.”
Nevling’s plea agreement contained the condition that he pay restitution of $626 prior to sentencing, which he was able to do.
Because of the nature of the crime, he is not permitted to hold a financial position in any volunteer organization during his probation.
