Former Chester Co. fire official to face trial for $300K theft

COATESVILLE, Pa. (WPVI) -- The former treasurer of a Chester County volunteer fire company has been held over for trial on theft charges.

Hower Smith, III was arraigned back in October

He is accused of stealing more than $300,000 from the Westwood Fire Company for his personal use over a 5-year period.

The allegations came to light in 2012, after prosecutors said Smith paid for a trip to Hawaii with the fire company's credit card.

They say he also purchased Phillies season tickets, expensive clothes and meals, and even rented cars with the stolen money.

Smith served with the company for more than 40 years.