News

November 13, 2008

Ex-township supervisor gets house arrest for theft

Bought more than $3,000 in goods on Black Creek Twp. credit cards.

By Sheena Delazio sdelazio@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – A former Black Creek Township supervisor was sentenced to house arrest after pleading guilty Wednesday to purchasing more than $3,000 worth of merchandize on township credit cards.

Rickie D. Whitebread, 56, of Sugarloaf, was sentenced to 4 � to nine months house arrest after pleading guilty to theft by deception. Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas Judge David Lupas said he felt probation wouldn’t have fit the severity of the crime.

Police said Whitebread purchased $3,294 worth of merchandise, including home improvement materials, printer ink, gasoline and asphalt between Sept. 30, 2006 and Aug. 1, 2008. Police said Whitbread made 13 unauthorized purchases.

Black Creek Township Supervisor Bonnie Adams reported in September that residents at a township meeting questioned the use of township equipment to pave a driveway at Whitebread’s home. The questions prompted Adams to review purchases made on township accounts, police said.

Adams told police Whitebread, who served as the township roadmaster, regularly makes purchases for the township using township-issued credit cards and accounts. After reviewing the invoices, Adams told police she found several personal purchases made by Whitebread at Lowes, Home Depot and Staples including bi-fold doors, paint, shingles, a fireplace set and sliding board.

Officials found invoices for more than 22 tons of asphalt dated Aug. 1 – the same date residents told of paving at the supervisor’s home. The township was billed $1,688.78 for the asphalt.

Whitebread’s attorney asked the judge to consider that Whitebread is married, has three grown children, no prior criminal record, and paid all restitution.

As part of Whitebread’s plea agreement, he was ordered to resign from his position, which he did shortly after charges were filed.

At a special meeting on Friday the township vacancy board voted unanimously to appoint Dennis Feerrar to fill Whitebread’s position.

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