Big Lake Fire Chief Arrested for Unauthorized Spending

BIG LAKE, TX —The Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Alan Jimmy Garner was arrested and charged with Misapplication of Fiduciary Property after members of the VFD blew the whistle on him.

VFD members claimed Garner issued a check to his daughter for “contract labor” for $600. That encouraged members to take a closer look at Garner’s financial management of the small, rural fire department.

The Texas Rangers were called in to investigate. They conducted witness interviews and put Garner under surveillance. The result was an arrest affidavit full of accusations and detailed in the local paper there, The Big Lake Wildcat.

Among the accusations includes Garner’s shopping spree to Sam’s Club in San Angelo where he purchased rib-eye steak, brisket, protein shakes, candy bars and medicine. In all, according to the Wildcat, Garner spent $2,168.41 on the VFD’s credit card without prior approval from the VFD’s board.

Garner also used the VFD’s credit card to go out to dinner at the Red Lobster in San Angelo with his wife.

He faces a State Jail Felony punishable with 180 days to two years in the state penitentiary and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

The Wildcat reported that Garner is accused of stealing just under $4,000. Garner is a 29-year veteran of the BLVFD, the Wildcat reported.

The Big Lake Wildcat has more details of Garner’s charges. Read them here.