FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – Former Ripon Fire Chief Timothy Saul Jr. has been fined $3,000 for the unauthorized use of the Ripon Area Fire District’s credit card, a practice he engaged in over six years. An investigation revealed that from 2016 to 2022, Saul Jr. charged over $30,000 to the district’s credit card for personal expenses. While the investigation confirmed that he paid off the balance using his own funds, Saul Jr. failed to disclose the misuse to the Fire District board and neglected his financial management duties. Wisconsin woman arrested for 2018, 2019 bank robberies Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney praised the Ripon Fire District and police for uncovering the fraud, stating, “The Ripon area community should once again be proud of their Fire District and those serving them on the Board.” Judge Andrew Christenson sentenced Saul Jr. to a $1,000 fine for each of three counts, totaling $3,000, along with court costs. In a public statement, Saul Jr. expressed deep remorse: “It is with great regret and shame that I take responsibility and admit guilt for the repeated misuse of the Ripon Fire District’s credit card. From 2016 to 2022, while I was Chief of the Ripon Fire District, I charged over $30,000 to the District’s credit card. I regret those terrible choices; however, I never submitted any of those bills to be paid by taxpayer dollars. Every single credit card balance was paid off with my own money." Wisconsin DOJ investigates officer-involved shooting in Chippewa County Saul Jr. acknowledged the breach of trust he caused, adding, “I created an environment that could have put the public and the District at risk. I am deeply sorry for betraying the public that trusted me as its Chief and to the District for the hardship it endured by rightfully investigating my wrongdoings.” This case underscores the importance of accountability and financial oversight in public service roles.