SUNBURY, Pa. — It was an emotional day in court for former Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare. In April, Hare pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by unlawful taking for stealing nearly $7,000 from the Americus Hose Company.
On Tuesday, Hare was sentenced to three years of probation, with the first nine months of that to be spent on house arrest.
"I'll come back from this and continue to be of service to the community. I really did let the community down. I let my friends and a lot of my family down," Hare said.
Hare was emotional in court. He apologized and said he is in recovery for alcohol addiction, and he is sober now. Hare was surrounded by friends and family at the Northumberland County Courthouse.
Hare's son Jacob addressed the court, saying, "I know he is extremely ashamed of these events. In my opinion, it was a final cry for help."
Pastor Mark Gittens of Higher Hope Church also spoke at the sentencing.
"I don't believe we should define ourselves by our worst mistakes. I don't believe Brad is done doing good things for this community," the pastor said.
The thefts happened while Hare served as secretary for the Americus Hose Company.
"I still believe in Sunbury. I still believe in this area. I'll just keep moving on, and I ask everyone else to move on, too," Hare added.
Hare was arrested in October of last year. He was a member of the Sunbury Police Department for 22 years, serving as chief twice, most recently since 2019.