Delco firefighter accused of embezzling

A volunteer firefighter in Delaware County was charged today with multiple counts of theft in connection with embezzling more than $100,000 in department funds.

Lisa Marie Butler, 37, of Glenolden, treasurer of the Briarcliffe Fire Company in Darby Township, wrote 35 checks from the department coffers for her personal use over a two-year period, District Attorney G. Michael Green announced.

Fire department policy required two signatures, and Butler was able to get other authorizers in the company to sign blank checks for convenience, according to court documents.

Green said that Butler used the money for shopping. He said a review found that the mother of two was living beyond her means.

The alleged theft came to light when Butler was suspended by the fire company in an unrelated matter.

Some of the checks were made payable to her husband, but investigators say they believe they were endorsed by Butler. Green said he does not believe that her husband, also a member of the fire company, was involved in the fraud.

Anthony List, Butler's attorney, said he had some serious problems with the accounting practices that the fire company used.