02 March 2012 by ABC Action News
POLK COUNTY, Fla. - A Polk County firefighter was arrested not once but twice for ripping off unsuspecting tourists who were hoping to spend the day at Disney World.
Investigators say Anthony Roman made fake tickets to the theme park and then sold them on the popular web site, craigslist.
For the last year, Roman has served as a firefighter out of a small station near Davenport.
One of his alleged victims did not want to give her name, but told us over the phone that the tickets looked real, but didn’t work at the gate.
She says Roman blocked her calls when she tried getting her money back.
“Me and my friend (lost) a total of $250,” she said. “I don’t know if I will ever get it back.”
Orange County deputies arrested the firefighter twice this month for the selling these fake tickets to multiple victims.
The ABC affiliate in Orlando tried to get Roman’s side of the story at his home there on Thursday.
“Do you want to explain about this?” the reporter asked. “That’s OK, I’ve got a lawyer, thanks,” he responded, closing the door.
“Every firefighter that the county hires receives a letter from the fire chief. It specifically states, “as emergency responders, the public holds us, rightfully so, to a very high standard.”
Deputy Chief Tony Crouse says the administration met with Roman on Thursday, but has not made a decision on his future with Polk Fire Rescue.
“I think it’s incumbent of us to hold a higher standard,” he said. “We work for the people.”
Crouse’s biggest concern is the distraction his arrest may cause.
“Our folks are in and out of peoples homes so we pay very close attention to that and we’re deeply concerned about that,” he said.
GO BACK