Etowah County Woman Arrested for $45K Theft from Rescue Squad

GADSDEN, Ala. – A former treasurer for the Etowah County Rescue Squad has been arrested on theft and fraud charges following an investigation into the alleged misuse of organizational funds.

According to the Gadsden Police Department, 53-year-old Maryann Stanfield was taken into custody on Tuesday, June 3, and charged with first-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit/debit card. Authorities allege Stanfield used the rescue squad’s debit card for personal expenses over a two-year period, from May 2022 through August 2024.

The misuse reportedly totaled over $45,000, with suspicious transactions initially flagged by the bank. Those transactions were brought to the attention of other members of the rescue squad, prompting a deeper investigation.

Stanfield, who had served as treasurer during the time in question, is said to be cooperating with authorities and voluntarily surrendered after charges were filed. She has since bonded out of the Etowah County Jail.

The case remains under investigation.