The former chief of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department has been charged with embezzling more than $13,000 from department bank accounts.

Robert W. Kienas, 50, pleaded not guilty last month to one count of felony theft, a common scheme, during his arraignment in Flathead County District Court.

Court records show that Kienas stole at least $13,300 between January 2005 and September 2007 by writing checks to himself, writing deposit slips asking for cash back, and making cash withdrawals from a department bank account.

Kienas, who has suffered two serious lung injuries from smoke inhalation while fighting fires, became the Somers Fire Chief in 1999 and served in that position for about six years.

The funds he is accused of misappropriating come from department donations and not from money provided by taxpayers, a representative with the Somers Volunteer Fire Department Association told investigators.

Kienas is accused of writing checks totaling approximately $2,600 on the department's account for personal purchases at area businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, bars, casinos, convenience stores, and pawn shops.

About another $8,600 of the allegedly embezzled money came from checks cased above and beyond Kienas' $200 monthly stipend, which was granted to cover expenses such as fuel. During the course of the alleged thefts - 2005, 2006, and 2007 - Kienas received $7,150 in legitimate stipend payments.

The rest of allegedly embezzled money was withdrawn from department bank accounts but not used for department purposes.

In May 2006 Kienas is accused of withdrawing $450 in cash from the department's saving account at Flathead Bank and in March 2007 of receiving $100 cash back on a deposit to the same account.

Also in March 2007, prosecutors allege Kienas began withdrawing $2,375 in cash from the department's account at a second bank. Those withdrawals, which ranged between $50 and $600, occurred between March and August 2007.

Kienas' lung injuries led to a heart attack in 1992, ending his employment in construction and forcing him onto oxygen.

Facing $200,000 in medical bills he couldn't pay, Kienas in 1996 declared medical bankruptcy and went on Social Security disability. Despite his injuries, Kienas began training firefighters and rose through the ranks of the Somers Fire Department.

In 1997, Kienas helped set up the Big Mountain Fire Department and also served a stint as its chief.

If convicted, Kienas - who was released on his own recognizance following his initial appearance in Justice Court - faces a maximum of 10 years in a prison and a $50,000 fine.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com