An administrator with the Lehigh Township Fireman’s Relief Fund Association has admitted to improperly spending funds belonging to the organization.

Corey Cole, 41, of Lehigh Township, informed the board that he had inappropriately spend funds that belong to the association in his role as treasurer.

The township police department was contacted on Tuesday by board members from the Lehigh Township Fireman’s Relief Fund Association.

The association told police they discovered unauthorized spending by the association treasurer, identified by the Fireman’s Relief Fund Association as Cole.

An investigation is underway by the police department, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Auditor General.

The District Attorney’s Office has also been contacted.

An audit of the fund accounts is being conducted to determine the amount of money that was misappropriated.

Cole turned over all records and documents related to the accounts.

A preliminary review of documents indicates numerous incidents of misappropriation of funds at restaurants, online shopping and entertainment.

A total dollar value is not yet available.

According to information from the association’s vice resident, Travis Wuchter, these accounts administered by the Relief Fund Association are state-funded accounts to purchase fire equipment, as well as survivor’s benefits for volunteer firefighters.