Pennsylvania Crime :Douglass Township Supervisor charged with theft, conflict of interest

press release

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced charges against Douglass Township Supervisor Frederick Ziegler for allegedly stealing township property for his own personal use.

The case was referred to the Office of Attorney General in June by Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman due to a conflict of interest.

According to the criminal complaint, Frederick Ziegler, 61, 164 Henry Road, Barto, Montgomery County, instructed the township highway supervisor to purchase a new chainsaw for the township but deliver it to Ziegler\’s residence for his personal use. Ziegler is also accused of misusing a township gas credit card and purchasing a propane tank and plywood for himself using the township municipal account.

The investigation revealed that the township highway supervisor did what Ziegler told him to do because he was his boss, and that in his role as township supervisor, Ziegler approved monthly bills for the township that included the items and expenses he is accused of stealing.