16-04-2025
Former sewer authority director Joe Spotts arraigned on felony charges
TAMAQUA — Joseph Spotts, the former head of the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority wanted on felony theft charges, surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning.
An employee of District Magistrate Stephen Bayer said Spotts went to the office around 11:30 a.m.
Bayer arraigned Spotts on $25,000 unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. May 6 in Bayer's office.
A warrant for his arrest was issued on April 12.
Spotts was charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, both felonies, after he allegedly stole $2,100 from the money box of a skills game machine at The Humane Fire Company.
The Humane Fire Company notified Pottsville Police about the theft, records show.
Spotts was seen on camera taking the money, according to the police report.
He then paid back the money on March 22, police said.
Spotts told officers that he returned the money to the fire company after applying for a loan, police said.
AJ Alves, president of the Humane Fire Company, said it removed Spotts as a member, which he had been for 48 years.
Spotts later resigned as head of the sewer authority. He was also active on several city boards, and was the head of the city Democratic party.
