Treasurer accused of stealing $17,000 from Mays Landing Fire Department

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (WPVI) -- A fire department treasurer is accused of stealing about $17,000 from the volunteer organization.

Matthew Robison, 28, of Mays Landing, is charged with theft. Prosecutors say he stole the money during his time as treasurer of the Mays Landing Fire Company.

Authorities say this all happened between January 2024 and the beginning of this year.

"He just didn't care. That's there for a reason. We need that equipment here," said John Brudon of nearby Estell Manor.

"It's our community. It's money and we need it for the fire department to save lives," said Brian Hughes of Hamilton Twp., N.J.

There was no answer at Robison's door on Thursday.

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's office, Robison transferred, withdrew and spent the money. He allegedly admitted to investigators that he would use ATMs to withdraw cash from the organization's accounts, spending the money on "personal goods." He is also accused of adjusting records to hide his transactions.

In 2021, Robison was honored by the township for his role in a rescue during an apartment fire, along with several other firefighters.

We spoke with one man who volunteers as a firefighter in another town; he says cases like this are incredibly frustrating.

"It's a disgrace," said Nick DiNiglio, a firefighter in Maple Shade. "You're in charge of something. It's a volunteer organization. People are donating to it or whatever. And you're taking that money."

Action News reached out to the Mays Landing Fire Company on Thursday. So far, no one has responded.

It's unclear what Robison's status with the department is.

He's due to appear in court later this month.

He did not have an attorney listed.