Monaca Fire Chief Is In “Ongoing Negotiations” For A Plea Deal In Felony Theft Case

A Monaca fire chief who stands accused of stealing more than $30,000 from his department’s relief fund has waived his right to a preliminary hearing in the case.

Michael Joseph Ribar, Jr., age 30, of Monaca, is working to gathering together restitution for a possible plea bargain, according to his attorney.

Ribar has admitted to making hundreds of cash withdrawals from a fire department related bank account since 2018 to pay his own personal expenses, according to charging documents filed by police with the court.

Ribar is facing two felony charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.