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North Brunswick fire official admits embezzling $89,000: feds

Craig J. Snediker, 40, pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

NORTH BRUNSWICK -- The former treasurer of North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 admitted embezzling at least $89,000 from the company, according to U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman. 

Craig J. Snediker, 40, of Monroe Township, pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in federal court before Judge Freda Wolfson.

He is also the town's fire marshal, a paid administrative position.

He admitted he used ATMs in Middlesex County from March 2014 to May this year to access public funds and private donations that were held by the volunteer fire department without permission, according to Fishman. He then used the funds for personal expenses, Fishman said. To cover up his actions, Fishman said, he misrepresented the account balance on the fire company's books. 

"Mr. Snediker deeply regrets the offense and will make full and complete restitution to the fire company," his lawyer, Robert Scrivo, said in an email. 

Neither Scrivo nor the town would say whether he'd be able to keep his job. 

"We understand that none of these charges were related to Craig's official position with the township," Mayor Francis "Mac" Womack said in an email. "Craig has been a valued and respected member of our staff for over 15 years and a dedicated volunteer within the community. Although we support Craig personally, a thorough review will be conducted into this matter to determine its impact on his professional responsibilities and role with the township." 

Snediker faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be held Dec. 15. 

According to the township website, Snediker is also the fire marshal in North Brunswick. In July, the township dealt with one of the largest fires in its history. Nobody was injured, but the blaze at a warehouse complex in the township burned for days.

It is not clear when Snediker first learned he was under investigation. He pleaded guilty to an information, meaning he was not indicted in the case. 

The fire marshal is responsible for such tasks as fire inspections. 

Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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