**UPDATE** Siddle Pleads Not Guilty

The Former assistant fire chief of the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department was arraigned in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Monday morning.

Adam Siddle faces a combined 16 counts of theft, telecommunications fraud, forgery and money laundering. The charges stem from a six month investigation, and all together, Siddle is charged with the theft of nearly $1 million. Siddle’s attorney, Jeremy McLendon entered a not guilty plea on Siddle’s behalf. He addressed the issue of bond, saying Siddle has been cooperative for the entire investigation.

While addressing Judge Mark Fleegle, McLendon said, “Upon learning of Mr. Siddle’s indictment we did contact the prosecutor’s office to make arraignments for service of said indictment.”

McLendon made a several minute argument on getting Siddle’s bond reduced, saying he is not a flight risk. Siddle’s family watched on as Judge Fleegle weighed in.

Initially, Judge Fleegle said the court would take the bond amount under advisement. But later Monday it was announced that bond was continued at $500,000. If found guilty of all charges, Siddle faces 20 years in prison. He is currently being held in the Muskingum County Jail.