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MYTON, Duchesne County — The city's former fire chief is charged with a felony and his wife is facing a misdemeanor charge after prosecutors say the couple used public funds to buy fuel for their private vehicles.
Aaron Dwane Davis, 30, is charged in 8th District Court with misusing public money, a third-degree felony. Shelby Lee Davis, 22, is charged in Duchesne County Justice Court with theft, a class B misdemeanor.
Aaron Davis used the city's charge account at a local gas station over the course of at least two years to buy about $1,400 in fuel for his personal vehicle, according to Duchesne County prosecutor Anthony Wilcox. Shelby Davis also used the city's charge account, racking up less than $500 in unauthorized purchases, Wilcox said.
The alleged thefts were discovered when the city received a tip and began scrutinizing its records for fuel purchases, interim Myton Police Chief Tim Mellor said.
"The records didn't match up," he said.
Wilcox said he chose to file a felony charge against Aaron Davis because of the position of public trust he held as Myton's fire chief.
Myton Mayor Kathleen Cooper said Davis had been with the city's volunteer fire department for more than 10 years. She did not know precisely when he was promoted to chief.
Shelby Davis was also a volunteer firefighter for Myton. The couple was dismissed from the fire department on Jan. 23.
Aaron Davis declined to comment on the allegations when contacted by phone and said he had not yet hired an attorney. He and his wife are scheduled to make their first court appearances March 23.
