A Chicago Fire Department firefighter has been charged with official misconduct for allegedly taking a gas meter from a burned out building and installing it in his home to get free gas, police said.
Milton Stewart, 38, of the 1600 block of East 85th Street, was charged with official misconduct, fraud and forgery, police said. He is expected to appear for a bond hearing later Thursday in Cook County Criminal Court, 2600 S. California Ave., police said.
Stewart is a firefighter who joined the department in 2001 and who is assigned to a truck company, according to a release from Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford.
Stewart was arrested at 1338 S. Clinton St. at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday, police said. The Clinton Street address is reportedly a Chicago Fire Department firehouse.
Stewart is accused of allegedly removing a gas meter from a burned-out building while working in an official capacity for the Chicago Fire Department. He then allegedly installed the device at his home to secure gas at no cost, police said.
He is also suspected of drafting and faxing a fraudulent lease agreement for a building in the 4700 block of South Indiana Avenue and using false social security card information to secure gas service, police said.
Langford said Stewart is being put on administrative leave pending a department investigation. If he is found to be in violation of department regulations, he will face disciplinary action, which can range up to and include termination.
Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.
