Ex Fire Chief Used City Funds To Fix Own Car: Charges

OAK FOREST, IL — The former fire chief of Oak Forest has been charged with stealing money to fix a personal vehicle, according to reports. David Griffin, who stepped down from his role as fire chief amid an investigation in 2016, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars.

Griffin, 42, was arrested on Dec. 28, 2018 on the charges of official misconduct, theft of government funds and forgery, the state's attorney said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

According to the accusations, Griffin used public funds to repair his personal Pontiac Grand Prix, while claiming the work was being done on a Chevrolet Impala owned by the city. The total amount was $3,623.24, according to the Sun-Times.

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Griffin was released on his own recognizance after a bail hearing, the Sun-Times reports, and is due in court next on Jan. 25. He's been placed on leave from the department.

In December 2015, Griffin was the fourth highest paid employee of the City of Oak Forest, bringing in $105,000 annually.

According to the Chicago Tribune, court records prohibit Griffin from possessing his passport, all of his firearms and his FOID, and say he must not speak with the city's finance director, administrator or fire chief. He's also not allowed in the firehouse or city hall.

See more on Patch: 10 Highest Paid Employees for the City of Oak Forest

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