![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wvih.com\/wp1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/John-Skaggs.webp?resize=125%2C125\")
\nA suspended Nelson County fire chief changed his plea Monday to guilty on charges of abuse of public trust, official misconduct and theft.<\/p>\n
\nA suspended Nelson County fire chief changed his plea Monday to guilty on charges of abuse of public trust, official misconduct and theft.<\/p>\n
John Skaggs, 39, originally pleaded not guilty in arraignment court following his indictment in June.<\/p>\n
He was suspended from the Rolling Fork Fire Department by its board back in January. According to the department’s treasurer, leaders were prompted to take a closer look at the chief after seeing abnormalities when paying bills.<\/p>\n
Skaggs was accused of misusing public money and property, in part, for filling up his personal vehicle using a fire department gas card.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, a guilty plea was entered and a diversion order was signed. Court costs and restitution were also paid in full.<\/p>\n
He also resigned from his position Monday, effective immediately.<\/p>\n
Skaggs was ordered to pay $966.77 and a 5% collection fee in full by Thursday, November 6. The money will be disbursed to the Rolling Fork Fire Department.<\/p>\n
He was sentenced to five years of unsupervised diversion.
\nSource: WDRB<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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