Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand strongly condemned his longtime assistant chief in Geauga County for allegedly stealing $1.6 million to cover his gambling losses.
The accused, Richard Vandevander, was a member of the Hambden Volunteer Fire Department for almost four decades before resigning in July 2026. Vandevander, who held the position of treasurer and assistant chief, allegedly embezzled funds from the fire department over a 3.5-year period, resulting in five felony charges.
Prosecutors claim that Vandevander misused his authority to siphon approximately $1.6 million from the fire department between January 2023 and May 2026 by transferring funds and issuing checks to his personal accounts.
He betrayed our trust. I can’t believe that this is someone we relied on in life-threatening situations,” said Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand.
Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand
Hildenbrand expressed disappointment in Vandevander’s actions, stating that the incident has tarnished the fire department’s reputation and community service efforts.
Among the charges Vandevander faces are first-degree telecommunications fraud and aggravated theft, each carrying potential prison sentences of three to 11 years.
Gambling Addiction Led to Theft
Vandevander pleaded not guilty and was released on a personal recognizance bond. As part of his release conditions, he surrendered his passport and agreed not to consume alcohol or any non-prescription drugs.
Despite his plea, Geauga County prosecutors assert that the evidence against Vandevander is substantial. Hildenbrand reported the discrepancies and Vandevander’s confession to authorities, which aided in the investigation.
According to charging documents, Vandevander utilized the embezzled funds to fund his gambling habit, primarily at the JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall. The JACK Thistledown Racino has 1,500 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and is operated by Cleveland-based JACK Entertainment, founded by billionaire Dan Gilbert.
JACK Entertainment was purchased by the company’s management team from Gilbert in 2020. Gilbert is also the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fire Department Finances Secured
The Hambden Fire Department received substantial federal and state grants to build a new fire station. Federal funds totaling $6.7 million and state funding of $2 million were allocated for the project.
Officials believe that federal funds were not stolen because they are disbursed upon submission of construction invoices. The state funds are insured against theft.
Construction on the new fire station commenced in May, with an $8.75 million completion date set for the following summer.