The fire chief of New Fairview, Texas, Arne Wissmann, was arrested on charges of theft after allegedly stealing between $150,000 and $300,000 from the New Fairview Fire Rescue (NFFR) volunteer fire department. Wissmann, who was booked into the Wise County Jail on Wednesday, was released on bond shortly after.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, suspicions arose when the previous fire chief, who continued to receive the department’s bank statements, noticed suspicious payments made to a “shell company” owned by Wissmann. The department members also reported Wissmann’s failure to follow the department’s by-laws, including not having a treasurer oversee the finances and large purchases. When confronted about the financial discrepancies, Wissmann allegedly appeared visibly nervous, particularly following fundraising events.
An investigation revealed that Wissmann had been diverting funds from the NFFR accounts to his shell company, then funneling them to his personal bank accounts. In total, Wissmann is accused of stealing $156,415.85.
The affidavit states Wissmann admitted to the theft, confessing that he manipulated the department’s accounting software to hide the payments made to his company. He is said to have expressed remorse and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement.
The affidavit did not specify what Wissmann used the stolen money for, except to state that it was for personal expenses.
In a statement following the arrest, New Fairview city officials expressed disappointment over the incident, clarifying that the fire department is a nonprofit organization operated by its members and is not affiliated with the city. They assured residents that there would be no disruption in fire protection services, as the city continues to collaborate with NFFR leadership moving forward.
