Crandall, Texas – The Crandall Fire Department will be holding a pancake breakfast benefit to help the department recuperate over a hundred thousand dollars stolen last year. The pancake breakfast will be held this Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Crandall Fire Department located at 500 East May Street in Crandall, Texas.
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The department risks losing a water tanker, one pumper engine, and a rescue unit, said Cousins, “in order to satisfy fraudulent bank loans and keep its credit rating.” In 2013, the Crandall Volunteer Fire Department's (CVFD) treasurer and secretary Denny Mackey was arrested and later released on bond from the Kaufman County Jail after allegedly using department equipment as collateral on two loans totaling $140,934.27.
In the event the funds are not raised to pay off the fraudulently obtained loans, the department risks repossession of the vehicles used as collateral. The total theft amount could exceed $350,000, according to Chief Cousins.
“We are asking for the community's help,” stated Crandall Fire Department Chief Allen Cousins in a newsletter. “The proceeds from this breakfast or any other donations will go to our department in order to recover some of our equipment and continue to effectively operate and serve the citizens of Crandall and the Heartland Community.”
A probable cause affidavit and arrest warrant alleges Mackey siphoned money from those loans by making personal checks payable to his personal business, paying himself inflated administration fees, using a CVFD debit card for personal purchases, and making ATM cash withdrawals.
The investigation into Mackey, who was released from the Kaufman County Jail on a $25,000 bond, continues with the Texas Rangers who will eventually turn the case over to the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. While not yet indicted, Mackey is facing an abuse of official capacity charge which is a 2nd degree felony on suspicion of misappropriating between $100,000 and $200,000.
“We strive to be a first class volunteer fire department and provide excellent fire and first responder services to your community,” said Cousins.
In the event the funds are not raised to pay off the fraudulently obtained loans, the department risks repossession of the vehicles used as collateral. The total theft amount could exceed $350,000, according to Chief Cousins.
“We are asking for the community's help,” stated Crandall Fire Department Chief Allen Cousins in a newsletter. “The proceeds from this breakfast or any other donations will go to our department in order to recover some of our equipment and continue to effectively operate and serve the citizens of Crandall and the Heartland Community.”
A probable cause affidavit and arrest warrant alleges Mackey siphoned money from those loans by making personal checks payable to his personal business, paying himself inflated administration fees, using a CVFD debit card for personal purchases, and making ATM cash withdrawals.
The investigation into Mackey, who was released from the Kaufman County Jail on a $25,000 bond, continues with the Texas Rangers who will eventually turn the case over to the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. While not yet indicted, Mackey is facing an abuse of official capacity charge which is a 2nd degree felony on suspicion of misappropriating between $100,000 and $200,000.
“We strive to be a first class volunteer fire department and provide excellent fire and first responder services to your community,” said Cousins.