Former Laurel County Fire Chief indicted for theft

  Former Laurel County Fire Chief Tommy Johnston has been indicted for allegedly using the department’s credit card to purchase personal items.

Johnston, 39, who served as the department’s chief for five years before resigning approximately three months ago, was indicted Friday on one count of theft by unlawful taking of the value of $500 or more, but less than $10,000.

The indictment came as the result of an investigation by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said the investigation began following a complaint by officials with the fire department. The results of the investigation were presented to a grand jury by Detective Richard Dalrymple.

Acciardo said about the same time as Johnston left the fire department, he resigned his position as a detective with the sheriff’s department.

Johnston is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. on Jan. 27 in Laurel Circuit Court.

Under Kentucky Law, the charge is a class D felony carrying a potential prison sentence of one to five years.