Embezzlement Charges Against Ex-Fillmore Fire Chief Dropped

FILLMORE (AP) — Ventura County prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against Fillmore's former fire chief, who was accused of using public money to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Grand theft and embezzlement charges against Pete Egedi were dropped Tuesday because of insufficient evidence.

The Ventura County Star says Egedi was elated. His attorney says a wrongful-termination suit that Egedi filed against the city can proceed

Prosecutors contended that Egedi and his wife received nearly $30,000 from a Fire Department checking account when he was only entitled to $1,200 a year. Authorities claimed he used some money to gamble and buy boats and cars.

But a prosecutor says the city of Fillmore had no written rules concerning the account and it was impossible to refute Egedi's claim that he received a reasonable reimbursement.

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