Cape May County Volunteer Fire Company Admits to Stealing Approximately $19,000

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced that the former treasurer of the Seaville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, whose dismissed chief was accused in September of stealing funds from it, pleaded guilty today to charges that he stole approximately $19,000 by using fire company funds to reimburse himself for personal expenses.Michael Petrella, 26, of Seaville, pleaded guilty before Cape May County Superior Court Judge John Porto to one count of third-degree misapplication of entrusted property. As part of the plea agreement, the Division of Criminal Justice recommended 364 days of jail custody. Petrella will pay restitution in the amount of $19,308.18 to the fire company, and he also will be permanently barred from holding public employment. Sentencing for Petrella is scheduled for February 27, 2015.