BECKLEY, W.Va. — A federal judge sentenced a Beckley firefighter to 8 months in prison after he was found guilty of mail fraud.
Michael Cowger, 50, received more than $20,000 from the city, West Virginia University and Beaver Volunteer Fire Department. He admitted to submitting reimbursement requests for supplies and other expenses after already seeking reimbursements for the same purchases.
He also admitted to manipulating hotel and training reservations and payments to ensure he received two receipts with two different credit card numbers for the same events.
Cowger was also ordered to pay restitution to the city of Beckley, West Virginia University and the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department.