John Register, former head of the Pike County Firefighters Association, has been charged with first-degree theft of property.

The charge stems from an investigation by the State of Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office.

“We are involved in the investigation that led to the arrest that you’re talking about,” said Scott Pilgreen, state fire marshal. “I can’t go into any more detail just yet.”

Pilgreen said the lead investigator on the case will be unavailable until later this week, at which point more details about the case will be revealed.

Chris Dozier, Pike County 911 director, said Register stepped down from his role in the association late last year.

The Pike County Firefighters Association has eight departments including Banks, Brundidge, Hamilton Crossroads, Springhill, Henderson, Goshen, Saco, Pike Fire and Rescue and Meeksville.

First-degree theft of property is a Class B Felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

Under Alabama law, first-degree theft of property is “… the theft of property which exceeds ($2,500) in value, or property of any value taken from the person of another … the theft of a motor vehicle, regardless of its value … (or) theft of property which involves all of the following: The theft is a common plan or scheme by one or more persons;  and the object of the common plan or scheme is to sell or transfer the property to another person or business that buys the property with knowledge or reasonable belief that the property is stolen;  and the aggregate value of the property stolen is at least ($1,000) within a 180-day period.”

Pilgreen said further information regarding Register’s charge will be released later this week.