Former fire department official pleads guilty to stealing from union

YOUNGSTOWN — The former head of the city firefighter’s union has up to two years to repay money he pleaded guilty to taking from their treasury, according to a plea agreement in a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Under today’s agreement before Judge Shirley Christian, Destry Rush, 46, of Naydne Drive, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft. If he repays the money he was accused of taking, the charge will be dismissed.

A court spokesman said Rush is expected to repay $70,000 of what he took Friday.

Rush was indicted on the charge Aug. 14. He was accused of taking between $7,500 and $150,000 from the union between Jan. 1, 2008, and April 14, 2014, the day he resigned as a captain in the fire department.