A former Lynchburg Fire Department deputy chief was sentenced to a year and six months behind bars Tuesday after he was convicted of embezzling more than $70,000 in unauthorized purchases from a city-issued credit card and a nonprofit.
Jason Dale Campbell, 42, of Powhatan, pleaded guilty in Lynchburg Circuit Court to two felony counts of embezzlement by a government official and two felony counts of embezzlement. In September 2016, authorities launched an investigation into Campbell’s fraudulent purchases, which took place over a two-year span, Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison said.
Harrison said the investigation discovered Campbell “bilked the taxpayers” of just more than $67,100 with more than 70 fraudulent purchases from November 2014 through fall 2016. In addition, she presented evidence that showed he made unauthorized purchases for his own personal use with money meant for the Lynchburg Fire Foundation, a nonprofit that supports projects and programs of the Lynchburg Fire Department.
Campbell took money intended for his fellow firefighters, set up the transactions to appear legitimate and placed the money into his own savings account to feed an “extravagant lifestyle,” Harrison said.
“This defendant’s conduct was absolutely outrageous,” she said.
Harrison said when confronted by now-retired Lynchburg Fire Department Chief Brad Ferguson, Campbell said he put himself in a “bad situation.” When Ferguson asked if he took money he wasn’t authorized to, Campbell replied, “Yes, I did,” Harrison said.
Campbell asked if he could keep his job and resigned after he was told by the former chief that would not happen, Harrison said in court.
She said he used an account for an annual Bank of the James stair climb in tribute to victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for personal uses such as Direct TV and Verizon purchases. He would enter company names during transactions to make them look legitimate and was living beyond his means, according to Harrison.
Harrison presented evidence that showed Campbell signed paperwork stating he would not use a city-issued credit card for personal use, as well as text messages in which Campbell told a family member he was sorry, fell behind on his mortgage by $3,400 and made a “huge mistake” at work by taking money out he wasn’t unauthorized to. She also presented evidence of an email from Campbell in which he wrote he had a “significant lapse in judgment” in taking the money.
Campbell’s attorney, Drew Davis, said his client committed wrongdoings during a two-year span and admitted to it.
“What is not heard is his 25-year career of helping others,” Davis said in court after Harrison presented the evidence.
Davis said Campbell has been working as an EMT in the Richmond area, but that comes to an end with his convictions.
“What he will leave with today is a disgraceful exit from public service,” Davis said. “He made no excuses. He’s done wrong. He’s going to pay for that.”
Davis said Campbell has a job offer that would pay him $14 per hour if he was granted a work release while serving time or received electronic home monitoring, which all would go toward paying back the city and nonprofit.
Harrison argued against granting work release or electronic home monitoring, adding it should not be used as a bargaining chip for leniency.
Campbell apologized to city taxpayers and fellow firefighters for actions he said were inappropriate.
“I’m not the bad guy the commonwealth makes me out to be,” he said. “I enjoyed a life of public service. I’m certainly disappointed in myself …”
Campbell said he would not let this actions define who he is and described himself as a changed person. He said he did not want the fire department’s reputation tarnished because of his acts and praised city firefighters dedicated to serving the public.
“They certainly don’t do it for the money,” Campbell said.
In accordance with a plea agreement, six other felony counts against Campbell were dropped, according to court records. Judge F. Patrick Yeatts sentenced Campbell to 20 years, suspending all but a year and six months. He also ordered $71,800 in restitution to the city and Lynchburg Fire Foundation.
Campbell was released on bond and taken into custody following Tuesday’s hearing.
Yeatts said Campbell committed a significant theft while in a position of trust.
“There will be long lasting effects on your family,” he told Campbell of the impact.
Yeatts said he would take the request for work release under advisement and review it after a six-month period.
“In large part, the taxpayers want to see this restitution paid,” Yeatts said.
Reach Justin Faulconer at (434) 385-5551.