Former Akron fire union treasurer Joseph Ruhlin pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing funds from the Akron fire department’s union.
Ruhlin pleaded guilty under an agreement with prosecutors to a charge of theft in office and tampering with records, both third-degree felonies, which carry penalties of up to three years in prison.
Ruhlin stole the money during the time he was treasurer of Akron Fire Fighters Local 330 from January 2011 to March 2017, prosecutors say. Union officials have said the money came from the dues paid by the union’s 300 members.
Prosecutors claim the amount Ruhlin stole is close to $500,000.
However, Erik Jones, Ruhlin’s attorney, said the restitution Ruhlin owes must still be determined.