Ashburn Volunteer Fire Chief Faces Embezzlement Investigation

ASHBURN, VA — The chief of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is facing an embezzlement charge, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The volunteer fire department provided details on the investigation in a responding statement.

William Graham II, 66, of Ashburn, was arrested Wednesday and charged with embezzlement by a public officer. Detectives started investigating potential embezzlement against station funds after Graham reported to the sheriff's office about fraudulent charges totaling $2,000 on his Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department-issued credit card.

Graham was taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and was released on an unsecured bond.

The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is a volunteer-run service, providing assistance to the career personnel at Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and hosting community events. Donations support the organization's fire, rescue and emergency medical operations.

In a statement provided to Patch, the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department said it had found potential fraudulent activity on a department-issued credit card in early October. The department started an internal investigation and notified the sheriff's office.

Graham was suspended and access to the department's finances were revoked while the investigation continued. The department's statement noted that it recommended to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue leaders that Graham be suspended systemwide.

After his Wednesday arrest, Graham's internal and systemwide suspensions continue. The department said it is fully cooperating with the sheriff's office investigation and will not provide any additional comment on internal disciplinary matters against the chief.

"AVFRD remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of community funds," the department's statement said. "The department’s financial safeguards and timely action reflect the organization’s ongoing dedication to maintaining public trust and ensuring all resources are used to support its mission of protecting the Ashburn community."

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office asked anyone with information to contact Detective Butterfield at 703-777-1021, anonymously contact Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app.