Former Fire Chief Arrested

Columbia, CA — A court hearing is scheduled for a former Columbia Fire Chief arrested on embezzlement charges.

The Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office reports that Randy Nickley has been charged with felony counts related to the misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement. The alleged crimes occurred between January 2007 and June 2011. Nickley was arrested on Thursday, and Bail was set at twenty thousand dollars.

District Attorney Michael Knowles says it involves both missing money and equipment. There is a degree of uncertainty regarding the exact amount. 

“It clearly was in excess of $5,000,” says Knowles. “Because he was in charge of the records, and the records aren’t very clear, there are still a lot questions.”

Nickley is scheduled to appear in Department Four of Tuolumne County Superior Court next Wednesday.