A former Deputy Fire Chief of the Ottumwa Fire Department faces a felony charge after allegedly keeping property belonging to the City of Ottumwa for personal use. Cory Benge, 44, has been charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony.
Benge was employed at the Ottumwa Fire Department for 20 years, until May of 2023. According to court documents Benge came into possession of an Arson Detector Tool and an AT&T hotspot while working for the fire department. Police allege Benge did not return the items back to the city after his employment ended. Benge is accused of keeping the two items from May 2023 to May 2025 and used them for his own personal gain. The City of Ottumwa paid the hotspot bills while it was still in use. The estimated cost of the items and the recurring monthly bills was just over $2700.00 ($2,731.97), according to court records.
A warrant for Benge’s arrest was issued on June 5th and he was taken into custody on the same day and later freed after posting bond. Court records do not show a date for his initial court appearance.