A former Bagley Firefighter’s Association President and Treasurer has been arrested for alleged unlawful activity and theft while serving the organization.

A state audit report released in June of 2019 showed improper disbursements from the Association. Following the report, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office filed charges of ongoing criminal conduct, a class B felony; and first degree theft, a class C felony; against 38-year-old Matthew Todd Sutherland of Jefferson. Court records show the investigation began in August of 2018 when a Bagley Fire Department member contacted the sheriff’s office to report concerns about the Association’s finances. The sheriff’s office then requested the State Auditor’s Office assistance, which later found over $16,000 in improper disbursements and undeposited collections. This included purchases from Amazon, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other vendors; cash withdrawals; and bank fees. Also during the investigation, only $5,704.10 was deposited into Association bank accounts from six fundraisers conducted, leaving $2,633.90 missing. Sutherland was interviewed by law enforcement twice during the investigation, in which he admitted to some of the transactions as improper.

An arrest warrant was issued and Sutherland turned himself in to the Guthrie County Jail Thursday. He is being held on a $25,000 bond. Bagley Fire Chief Jeremy Cooper tells Raccoon Valley Radio that Sutherland was removed from the Association and the department shortly after August of 2018. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.