Former Pecatonica Fire Department employees charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and forgery

Online Staff Report

Two former employees of the Pecatonica Fire Department have been arrested and charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and forgery, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Dec. 29.

Arrested were Brenda Samuelson, 48, and Donald Samuelson, 56.

Brenda Samuelson was previously employed by the Pecatonica Fire Department as its bookkeeper but was terminated in December 2010. Donald Samuelson was previously employed by the Pecatonica Fire Department but was terminated in 2005.

Brenda Samuelson has been charged with two counts of theft over $10,000, a class 1 felony with a sentencing range of four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections; two counts of conspiracy to commit theft over $10,000, a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of three to seven years; and 24 counts of forgery, a class 3 felony with a sentencing range of two to five years.

Donald Samuelson has been charged with two counts of theft over $10,000, a class 1 felony with a sentencing range of four to 15 years; two counts of conspiracy to commit theft over $10,000, a class 2 felony with a sentencing range of two to five years; and 24 counts of forgery, a class 3 felony with a sentencing range of two to five years.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation from February 2011 to present. It is alleged that in excess of $10,000 was taken.

Brenda Samuelson’s bond is set at $5,000. The bond for Donald Samuelson is set at $5,000.

The next court date for Brenda and Donald Samuelson is 9 a.m., Jan. 5, in Courtroom B.

Bruscato said: “Crimes alleging theft from taxpayers are unacceptable. The state is billions of dollars in debt. Governments, organizations and individuals struggle daily across this state. Crimes of this nature will be investigated and will be prosecuted.”