LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A suspended Nelson County fire chief changed his plea Monday to guilty on charges of abuse of public trust, official misconduct and theft.
John Skaggs, 39, originally pleaded not guilty in arraignment court following his indictment in June.
He was suspended from the Rolling Fork Fire Department by its board back in January. According to the department's treasurer, leaders were prompted to take a closer look at the chief after seeing abnormalities when paying bills.
Skaggs was accused of misusing public money and property, in part, for filling up his personal vehicle using a fire department gas card.
According to court documents, a guilty plea was entered and a diversion order was signed. Court costs and restitution were also paid in full.
He also resigned from his position Monday, effective immediately.
Skaggs was ordered to pay $966.77 and a 5% collection fee in full by Thursday, Nov. 6. The money will be disbursed to the Rolling Fork Fire Department.
He was sentenced to five years of unsupervised diversion.
More Coverage:
Suspended Nelson County fire chief appears in court on abuse of public trust, theft charges
Chief suspended from fire department in Nelson County after indictment for official misconduct
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