Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that the treasurer of a labor union representing firefighters and emergency medical technicians in several Burlington County municipalities has been charged with stealing nearly $10,000 from the organization.
Joseph Tull Jr., 38, of Williamstown, was charged with Computer Criminal Activity (Second Degree), Theft by Deception (Third Degree) and Misapplication of Entrusted Property (Third Degree).
Tull, who is employed as a full-time firefighter in Cinnaminson Township, was taken into custody on Monday at the Prosecutor’s Office in Mount Holly and released after being processed. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began in January after union leaders contacted law enforcement officials to report bookkeeping irregularities. The investigation revealed that Tull utilized the union’s debit card to withdraw $6,300 from automated teller machines, which he then deposited into his personal bank account. The investigation further revealed that Tull illegally utilized the union’s debit card to spend $3,384 at businesses such as Jersey’s Mikes, Rita’s Italian Ice and Wawa.
The union, known as the Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3091, of the International Association of Firefighters, represents career firefighters, fire officers, fire marshals and emergency medical technicians in multiple Burlington County municipalities.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit. The lead investigator is BCPO Detective Troy Sudeck.
Tull is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Andrew R. McDonnell, supervisor of the BCPO Financial Crimes Unit.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.