Thomas J. Pilkerton
Leonardtown, MD — The former assistant chief of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad has been convicted of theft from the squad. Thomas Pilkerton, 35, of Leonardtown was sentenced May 14 to six months in jail with all but 20 days suspended. The sentence was imposed in St. Mary’s County District Court by Judge Michelle Saunders.
According to charging documents filed by St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department Corporal Margaret Smolarsky, Pilkerton admitted to stealing two Exxon credit cards assigned to the rescue squad fleet and “knowingly making $1,200 worth of unauthorized purchases on those cards.”
The rescue squad, upon finding out about the purchases, quickly took action. According to Cpl. Smolarsky’s statement of charges, Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad President Peter “Rocky” Woodburn reported to her that Treasurer Jamie Weber discovered the “numerous unauthorized purchases for gasoline” on the two credit cards. The charges began in June 2014 and ended December 31, 2014.
Two charges of theft were filed by summons on Jan. 23 of this year. Pilkerton pled guilty to the charge of theft scheme, $1,000 to $10,000 prior to the sentencing on May 14.
According to court documents, Pilkerton has agreed to pay $100 monthly installments in restitution. He will be on three years’ probation after his release from jail.
Pilkerton reportedly resigned from his position on the rescue squad after the charges were filed.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com