Former Jennings County fire chiefs arrested for alleged $110K embezzlement

PARIS CROSSING — A year-long investigation into the finances of the Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Department has culminated in the arrests of two former fire chiefs. Bradley T. Jacobs, 56, of Paris Crossing and Brent A. McInteer, 29, of Bedford, are accused of treating the department’s treasury like a personal bank account, allegedly stealing a combined total of over $110,000 during their respective tenures.

The Indiana State Police (ISP) Special Investigations Section, led by Detective Tim Denby, began digging into the department’s records in early 2025. Working alongside the Indiana State Board of Accounts, investigators uncovered a multi-year trail of misappropriated funds.

According to court documents, the alleged criminal activity spanned from 2021 through early 2024, involving two consecutive leaders of the department:

Bradley T. Jacobs (Chief from 2021–2023) is accused of embezzling $70,000 between January 2021 and January 2023.

Brent A. McInteer (Chief from 2023–2024): Accused of stealing over $40,000 between February 2023 and April 2024.

State police report that both men utilized their administrative access to the department’s bank accounts and credit cards to transfer money directly into their personal accounts. The funds were also allegedly used to make “multiple personal purchases.”

The Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the findings and issued arrest warrants for both men. They each face several felony counts including two counts of theft each, official misconduct and corrupt business influence.

The arrests took place over the last two weeks as local authorities located the former officials.

McInteer, a resident of Bedford, was taken into custody on Wednesday, January 21, in Lawrence County.

Jacobs, of Paris Crossing, was arrested this past Friday, January 30, and booked into the Jennings County Jail.

Both men are scheduled for initial appearances in the Jennings County Circuit Court.

Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.