SCRANTON -- A former Wilkes-Barre Township fire chief was sentenced Thursday for stealing from his own company.
Former Wilkes-Barre Township Fire Chief John Yuknavich was first charged with theft in 2011. He learned on Thursday morning that he will spend six months in prison on federal theft charges.
In court, Yuknavich apologized to his family and to his fire department. He has now admitted to stealing $45,000 from the department.
After that brief apology, a federal judge sentenced Yuknavich to six months in prison followed by six months house arrest. He was also ordered to pay back the $45,000.
Yuknavich also made an agreement with prosecutors that he can never be a member of the Wilkes-Barre Township fire department again.
"I know what I did for Wilkes-Barre Township and I know what I did for the fire company. And the members know that, so life goes on," said Yuknavich as he left the hearing.
Yuknavich was given permission to report to prison at a later date. There is no word when he will report or where he will serve his sentence.