SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — A retired San Joaquin County fire chief pleaded no contest to embezzlement-related felony charges Tuesday, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.
Frank Ramirez III was arrested in 2023 after a months-long investigation. It started when officials received a report in February 2023 alleging he was engaged in embezzlement.
Ramirez is a retired fire chief for the Mokelumne Rural Fire District based in the community of Lockeford.
The sheriff's office says the investigation revealed Ramirez was engaged in embezzlement during his tenure as fire chief. A search warrant was issued for his home, leading to the discovery of fire department property including a large dump trailer "he had misappropriated," officials said.
"This case reminds us of the importance of accountability and integrity, especially within public service, and of the need to ensure that those positions of trust are held accountable for their actions," the sheriff's office said.
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