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Unified Fire Authority won’t sue to recover money misused by its former chief and other leaders

The Unified Fire Authority determined Tuesday that it won’t seek to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds that state auditors last year concluded were misused by top administrators.

The state audit and a 196-page investigative report from the Attorney General’s Office found that former Chief Michael Jensen and his Deputy Chief Gaylord Scott had received exorbitant bonuses, been reimbursed for personal vacations attached to official travel, purchased electronic equipment for personal use and hired close family members outside UFA rules.

The boards that oversee the authority contend that Jensen “clearly abused his role,” and manipulated the Unified Fire Authority and Unified Fire Service Area boards for personal gain.