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CLEVELAND – Thirteen Cleveland firefighters were indicted on theft charges on Wednesday as a result of a July 2011 audit.

The investigation by the Cleveland Division of Internal Audit found that some firefighters were hiring other people to work their shifts, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office said.

From 2006 to 2010, 13 firefighters did not work 2,000 hours, approximately one year, of scheduled time, the audit found. This allowed them to work a second full-time job.

Despite the fact that they were not logging hours with the Cleveland Division of Fire, the workers were still getting their yearly salary, insurance benefits, pension, clothing allowance and sick time.

“The public’s trust was violated. In addition to not working and receiving full pay, these individuals abused the system and collected retirement, vacation, medical and other benefits,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Tim McGinty in a news release. They caused other firefighters to work multiple days without rest. Fatigued firefighters put the safety of the people who are in danger at risk as well as their fellow firefighters.”

The following people were indicted on one count each of theft in office and soliciting or receiving improper compensation:

Calvin Robinson, 52, of Cleveland

Kevin Dever, 42, of Cleveland

Bernard Fronhapple, 51, of Rocky River

Barry Kifus, 40, of Painesville

Kevin P. Kelly, 52, of Olmsted Falls

James Oleksiak, 44, of Cleveland

Robert Graham, 50, of Lakewood

Michael Milano, 53, of Broadview Heights

Nicholas Rucella, 49, of Cleveland

Gary McNamara, 48, of Bay Village

Peter Corso, 47, of Concord

Thomas Jurcisin, 51, of Cleveland

Daniel Losteiner, 45, of Cleveland

The prosecutor’s office said Robinson did not work more than 8,000 hours, which is equal to four and a half years.

To read the statement from the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 93, click here: NewsNet5.com

Article and Picture Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5

LOCAL: 13 Firefighters Indicted for Theft in 2011 Audit  was originally published on wzakcleveland.com