Former Gary Firefighter’s Association Secretary-Treasurer Sentenced

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that John T. Springer 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced in Hammond Federal Court before Senior Judge James Moody for three counts of wire fraud.   

Springer was sentenced to 3 years’ probation to include 3 months of home detention and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $30,315.99 to the victim. 

According to court filings, Springer was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Gary Professional Firefighters Association and an authorized signatory on general, holding and retiree bank accounts.  Per the union’s by-laws, expenditures of funds were for sanctioned bills and no member or officers were to derive personal profit from goods or services unless approved by the membership on a (2/3) vote during any regular or special meeting.  At no time was Springer authorized by vote of the union or any official to spend union funds for any personal expense or to fund any personal loan.  Nonetheless, from January 10, 2008 to September 25, 2012, Springer utilized $30,315.99 in union funds to pay for various items of a purely personal nature, including automotive-related loans and repairs, his home mortgage, attorney’s fees, and school tuition for his children.              

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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