Former officer sentenced for stealing cop union funds
STRUTHERS — The former police officer who pleaded guilty to embezzling $4,800 from the Fraternal Order of Police escaped mandatory jail time in a sentencing hearing today.
Judge William Kobelak made sympathetic remarks before sentencing Thomas Granchie, former FOP secretary/treasurer, to 30 days in jail, or 90 days house arrest.
“I want to look at him as a person with both good and bad things in his life,” the judge said. “This black cloud hanging over his head is always going to be there.”
Originally charged with felony theft, Granchie pleaded guilty to reduced charges of misdemeanor theft May 1. He resigned from the police department April 17.
For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.