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(AsiaGameHub) –   The president of a firefighters’ union is facing accusations of embezzling funds from his organization and allegedly using the money for gambling. He has been arrested and is now facing charges.

Other Union Members Became Suspicious

According to the arrest warrant, Sharone Norwood, who serves as the president of the Fort Smith chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, is accused of stealing approximately $50,000 from his organization’s funds. The allegations state that Norwood used the embezzled money to fund his gambling activities at a local tribal casino.

Investigators determined that Norwood made multiple withdrawals from the union’s bank account between August and September 2025. However, union officials eventually detected discrepancies. As Norwood was the only individual, besides the treasurer, authorized to withdraw funds from the union’s account, his fellow union members grew suspicious and reported the matter to the police in April 2026.

Samuel Schleiff, the union’s treasurer, also reported observing a $20,000 deposit being made the day after he informed Norwood about the missing funds.

Norwood Submitted a Not Guilty Plea

Following the complaint, investigators concluded that Norwood was likely responsible for the missing money. Authorities stated that surveillance video appeared to corroborate this. This evidence allowed them to track his movements and withdrawals, confirming his presence at the nearby Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola. The dates of his visits to the casino aligned with the dates of the withdrawals, further supporting the embezzlement theory.

Reports indicate that Norwood later confessed to a battalion chief with the Fort Smith FD that he was struggling with a gambling addiction and admitted to taking the money. However, in contrast to this report, Norwood entered a plea of not guilty to the charges on May 19.

Norwood was released on bail. If convicted, he faces a potential maximum fine of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

It is worth noting that Norwood had previously been involved in lawsuits with creditors regarding unpaid debts.