RICHMOND, Va. – The Chief Administrative Officer at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs has been arrested on four felony charges for allegedly stealing money from a department program.
Brenda R. Scaife, 58, of Midlothian, turned herself in to Virginia State Police on Tuesday, May 26.
Scaife was charged with four felony counts of obtaining money by false pretense of at least $500.
“The state police investigation was initiated in May 2019, following a referral from the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts and the Virginia Office of the State Inspector General,” said a state police spokesperson. “The charges stem from financial discrepancies related to the Virginia Department of Fire Program's education assistance program.”
Police says the investigation remains ongoing at this time.
According to the arrest warrant, Scaife is accused of stealing money on four separate occasion, beginning in August 2017.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs released a statement confirming the arrest and that Scaife has been suspended without pay.
“The agency has been made aware of this issue and will await the findings of the State Police investigation. Meanwhile, Ms. Scaife is currently suspended without pay. The Department of Fire Programs will continue to cooperate with Virginia State Police until the matter is closed,” said a VDFP spokesperson.
