GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - A former fire chief in Southeast Texas has pleaded guilty to stealing about $70,000 from the department and spending some unauthorized funds at a Louisiana racetrack and casino.

Prosecutors in Galveston say 61-year-old David Loop of Winnie pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony theft by a public servant from the Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Records show Loop, who awaits sentencing, faces at least five years in prison in the plea deal.

The investigation began when fire department checks started bouncing in 2013. Other Crystal Beach firefighters in January 2014 voted to replace and suspend Loop. He was indicted in mid-2014 on charges of misapplication of fiduciary property and theft of property less than $200,000.

Authorities believe Loop began misusing department funds, including a credit card, in 2009.

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