A former Deputy Fire Chief of the Ottumwa Fire Department faces a felony charge after allegedly keeping property belonging to the City of Ottumwa for his personal use.
Cory Benge, 44, has been charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony.
Benge was employed at the Ottumwa Fire Department for 20 years, a tenure that ended in May 2023. According to court documents, during his employment with the city, Benge came into possession of an Arson Detector Tool and an At&T hotspot. Police allege Benge never returned the items back to the city after his employment ended.
Authorities say from May 2023 to May 2025, Benge kept the two items and used them for his own personal gain. The City of Ottumwa paid the hotspot bills while it was still in use. The estimated cost of the items and the recurring monthly bills was $2,731.97, according to court records.
A warrant for Benge’s arrest was issued on June 5th and he was taken into custody on the same day.
Benge was later freed after posting bond. Court records do not show a date for his initial court appearance.
