(VIDEO) In May, we confronted Tampa Fire Captain, Al Schaffer who -- according to IRS records -- had embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the IRS.
"These are orphans and abused children. I have to say I'm offended," we told Schaffer who responded, "And I'm sorry you're offended but I'm not going to comment on that, Sir."
Schafer may not have had a comment for us in May but a federal plea deal he signed this past week provides irrefutable proof that money donated to the Hope Children's Home for these orphans ended up in his pocket.
"What he did was totally unacceptable," Kirk Eicholtz told us. Eicholtz who was appointed by the court as interim CEO when the money came up missing adds, "from Hope Children's home perspective, we are happy this chapter in this book is closed.
In the plea, Schaffer admits he doubled his salary as treasurer'. He wrote checks from the Children's Home bank account to pay his personal credit card at Citibank and American express; and he embezzled at least $187,000. IRS records say the exact number is actually several thousand more that that. We said to Eicholtz,"He faces the possibility of jail time, do you think it is appropriate here?
Eicholtz responded "That's not for me to be the judge and jury, but I do know restitution is paramount."
And while Al Schaffer is still a member of Tampa Fire Department the Chief promised if this day ever came and there was 100 percent proof Schaffer stole the money, he wouldn't be a member of the department for very long.
"if I get anything that has merit from those regulatory agencies, then I've got a problem here, " Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward told us in May, "You know this person is no longer suitable to wear the uniform of the City of Tampa's Fire Department."
In the meantime, Eicholtz says it was only after Schaffer refused to repay the money, that the board turned to law enforcement