Ridgely men charged in theft of firefighters’ masks

The Office of the State Fire Marshal says they have charged two Ridgely men for stealing breathing masks from the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department.

Criminal summons were served to 67-year-old George Cohey and 21-year-old Kyle Ober, who was arrested in November for impersonating emergency responders.

Deputy fire marshals say their investigation into that November case led them to discover that Cohey stole two self contained breathing apparatuses and three masks from the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department.

Marshals say Cohey then sold the stolen firefighting equipment to Ober, who had full knowledge that the equipment was stolen.

The total value of stolen items was $4,900, fire marshals said.

Officials say Cohey and Ober could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.