Former fire chief in NW Montana pleads guilty to theft

KALISPELL, Mont. – A former fire chief in northwestern Montana has acknowledged stealing more than $50,000 from his department over the span of four years.

The Flathead Beacon reported that former Olney chief Kenneth Morehead pleaded guilty late last month to felony theft.

Flathead County prosecutors say he made unauthorized purchases using the fire district’s checking account, credit cards and business accounts. The thefts came to light after the fire district exceeded its Fiscal Year 2016 budget by $25,000.

According to court documents, Morehead acknowledged in August that he used the district’s funds for personal expenses. The thefts occurred between 2012 and 2016.