Hernando Beach fire chiefs arrested for organized fraud

HERNANDO BEACH (FOX 13) - After a seven-month long investigation, three former fire chiefs for the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department were arrested Friday.

Former chief David Freda, former chief David Murdock and former chief Travis Morris were all arrested and charged with organized fraud.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said it began investigating the department following allegations of misappropriation of funds.

Earlier in 2017, the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department was dissolved, and the county now provides services to Hernando Beach residents.

Officials said Freda is currently a fire chief for the city of Brooksville, while Murdock is a fire captain for Brooksville. Morris is currently a FEMA employee.

Freda and Murdock's charge is organized fraud more than $50,000. Morris is charged with organized fraud more than $20,000.