Caln Township Police Department say a trusted money man for Thorndale’s volunteer firefighters crossed the line from bookkeeping to brazen theft, walking off with thousands in relief funds meant for local first responders. Mack David Roberts II, 43, of East Fallowfield, was arrested after investigators say he stole $11,300 from the Thorndale Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association while serving as its treasurer in 2025. Authorities allege the money went missing between August and October 2025. Roberts was arraigned in East Caln Township, posted $5,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 24. Thorndale Fire Company has suspended Roberts from both the department and its relief association while the investigation continues.
Charges And Police Details
Caln Township police charged Roberts with three counts of theft by unlawful taking, three counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, three counts of receiving stolen property and one count of tampering with records or identification, which totals nine felonies and one misdemeanor, according to the Daily Local. Police say the alleged conduct came to light after state auditors and local investigators reviewed association records, and officials have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Christopher Traini at the Caln Township Police Department.
Audit Work That Triggered The Probe
Local authorities say the investigation grew out of reviews by the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General’s bureau that oversees volunteer fire relief audits. The state auditor’s office had previously audited the Thorndale Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association and flagged recordkeeping weaknesses that auditors warned could leave relief funds vulnerable, according to the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
Thorndale Fire Company Response
Thorndale Fire Company officials say they are fully aware of the allegations and are cooperating with law enforcement and the state auditor. “We are taking this matter extremely seriously,” the department said in a June 5 statement on its website, noting that the member has been suspended pending further legal action. The company reiterated that it supports investigators as they work to resolve the case.
Impact On A Busy Volunteer Crew
Leadership told reporters the volunteer crew handled hundreds of calls last year, logging 719 fire and rescue incidents in 2025 with roughly a dozen to two dozen active responders on the roster. It is a reminder that small volunteer outfits run on tight budgets and an even tighter level of trust. The relief association’s funds are meant to support members’ training, equipment and death benefits, which makes any allegation of misuse especially sensitive for volunteers and the community they serve.
What’s Next
Roberts faces multiple felony counts that will move through Chester County’s magisterial court system beginning with the June 24 preliminary hearing. If the case advances, prosecutors could file formal charges in common pleas court. Authorities have not released a possible motive and have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Caln Township Police Department.
The case has neighbors and station leaders watching closely, since it touches both local government oversight and the small but critical world of volunteer emergency services. Officials say they will provide updates as investigators and auditors complete their work.
