A firefighter in Central Kentucky has been arrested after authorities say he fraudulently claimed overtime pay for more than a year, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in alleged losses to the city.
Internal Audit Triggers Investigation
The case came to light in Winchester when Fire Chief Christopher Whiteley alerted police about suspected financial misconduct within the department.
An internal audit—conducted by fire department officials along with the city’s finance director—revealed that firefighter Kenneth Ball had allegedly been submitting false overtime claims over an extended period.
More Than a Year of Alleged Fraud
According to Travis Thompson, investigators found that Ball had been inaccurately logging overtime hours for approximately 13 months.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- Start date of alleged fraud: February 7, 2025
- Number of false entries: 86 time submissions
- Estimated total loss: More than $35,000
Officials stated that Ball was not actually working during the hours he claimed as overtime.
Confession and Arrest Details
Court records indicate that Ball admitted to the fraudulent activity during an interview with a police detective. He reportedly told investigators that the extra money was used to pay personal bills.
Ball was arrested Thursday and charged with:
- Theft by deception (over $10,000)
He is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center on a $35,000 bond.
Immediate Resignation and Legal Proceedings
Following the allegations, Ball resigned from his position with the fire department.
Authorities confirmed that he is scheduled to appear in Clark District Court for arraignment in the coming days.
City Officials Emphasize Zero Tolerance
City officials underscored their firm stance against financial misconduct. Police Chief Thompson stated that the city acted quickly after discovering the irregularities, launching an internal investigation and pursuing criminal charges.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about public sector accountability and the importance of financial oversight in municipal departments.