DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A member of a Dauphin County Fire Company social club was arrested Thursday after police say he embezzled $80,000 and admitted he had a problem game.

Tamas Topos, 57, of Steelton, allegedly admitted to police that he robbed the Friendship Fire Company social club because of a gambling problem, Lower Swatara Township police said in the charges filed.

Topos was a steward of the social club, according to police.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after police were informed in August that Topos was not keeping proper financial records.

Topos recorded 34 games of chance that took place during a certain period when in reality there were 46 games. The fire club should have made more than $34,000 from the games, but Topos would have only recorded $24,000.

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Police say nearly 200 video files showed Topos performing unsupervised counts after hours at the club, even pocketing money from the club’s daily takings and using club funds to play skill machines .

Withdrawals were made by Topos from several social clubs from December to July, according to police. Bank statements showed financial problems despite Topos having control of the funds.

Topos allegedly admitted to police that he stole the money, claiming to pay it back “most of the time,” the complaint states. He also admitted to having a gambling problem and did not explain the loss of money.

The total amount stolen was determined to be $80,940.65.

Topos is also accused of falsifying records he submitted to the PA Liquor Control Enforcement office to mislead auditors.

Topos faces a misdemeanor charge of theft and a misdemeanor charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

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Topos is in custody and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 26.

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