Former Newportville Fire Chief Fred Black Charged with Misusing Funds

A story Lower Bucks Source originally was first  to report on , the ex fire chief of the Newportville Fire Company turned himself into authorities last week charged with the misuse of more than $32,000.00 in fire company funds over a four year period.

Fred Black, 54, of Bristol Township, was arraigned Dec. 18 before District Judge Terrance Hughes on felony and misdemeanor theft-related charges. He was released on unsecured bail.

Black, most recently served  as the fire company  treasurer, the role that gave him access to the non-profits proceeds.  As previously reported Bristol Township police opened an investigation last year after they were alerted by company members about suspicious activity involving the fire department’s finances.

According to the probable cause fire company officials  first suspected something was wrong with Black’s spending in 2020 when he reportedly began ignoring the rules and codes set in the company’s bylaws.

Black was with the fire company for 30 years and also served several terms of the Bristol Township School Board.