Former chief pleas guilty

Staff Report

Mike Nomis, the former Green River Fire Chief, admitted to taking money from the fire department’s foundation last week during a change of plea hearing.

Nomis originally plead not guilty to charges of felony theft and misdemeanor wrongful appropriation of public property. His wife Stephanie also faces a felony theft charge.

Nomis will be sentenced at a future date.

He faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 for the felony charge.

According to court documents, an investigation into embezzlement claims started in October and focused on checks through the foundation being written to Nomis from himself for reimbursement of miscellaneous expenses.

During 2019, the foundation, which originally had $60,000 in its accounts, had seen its funds diminished to approximately $20,000 and members of the GRFD demanded Nomis hand over bank account information regarding the foundation, which he declined to do.

Other checks allegedly involved Stephanie Nomis and were spent at local businesses, such as a $2,278.34 purchase at John Paras Furniture. The documents state “numerous other transactions from all funds currently under investigation related to Michael and Stephanie Nomis.”

Kari Cragovich, the city’s human resources manager, said Nomis voluntarily resigned from his position June 30.