Former Fire Official Accused of $1.6M Theft to Cover Gambling Losses

An investigation by the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office found that Richard Vandevander, a former Assistant Fire Chief and Treasurer of the Hambden Township Volunteer Fire Department, allegedly embezzled approximately $1.6 million over three and a half years.

The funds were allegedly transferred through a series of checks written by Vandevander to himself from January 9, 2023, through May 15, 2026. Prosecutors claim that Vandevander used all of the embezzled funds to cover gambling losses, with most of the gambling activity allegedly taking place at the JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio.

Richard Vandevander was indicted by a grand jury on charges including Aggravated Theft of $1.5m or more, Telecommunications Fraud, Falsification in a Theft Offense, Money Laundering, and Forgery.