N. Prov. firefighter charged with fraud

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A ranking member of the North Providence Fire Department is accused of defrauding the taxpayer by billing overtime he didn't work.

Battalion Chief David Charello, 50, turned himself in to North Providence police Wednesday. He charged with five felony counts, including obtaining money under false pretenses and using a computer to obtain money under false pretenses.

According to police, Charello billed the city on two occasions for $544 and a third time for $1,244.

Charello's been released on $10,000 personal recognizance following his arraignment Wednesday.

Police said this is an ongoing investigation and more arrests are possible.

North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi said he asked the police department to investigate the fire department's overtime usage.

He said once the investigation was launched, Charello's offenses were discovered. According to Lombardi, Charello's salary was $58,000 per year, but with overtime he was making more than $90,000.