Firefighter Stole $200 From Dead Man, Calling it ‘a Little Bit of Lunch Money:’ Cops

A firefighter in Florida is facing grand theft charges after allegedly stealing $200 while responding to a medical call at a hotel. Ryan Hagenbuch, 44, a veteran firefighter with the Sarasota County Fire Department, is accused of taking the money from an 80-year-old man who had been pronounced dead in a hotel room.

The Incident and Allegations

On March 9, at around 6:30 p.m., Hagenbuch and a rookie firefighter were dispatched to the Nokomis Inn and Suites near Sarasota. The elderly man was declared dead at the scene. After law enforcement officers left the hotel room, Hagenbuch reportedly told the rookie firefighter to take money from the deceased man’s wallet. According to the affidavit, Hagenbuch instructed the rookie to “take a little bit of lunch money,” but when the rookie refused, Hagenbuch allegedly took the money himself. He pulled two $100 bills from the wallet and slipped them into his pocket, saying, “He is dead; nobody is going to know.”

Attempts to Justify the Theft

After taking the money, Hagenbuch reportedly asked the rookie firefighter whether he thought less of him for stealing. He attempted to justify his actions, claiming, “I’m not a scumbag,” and insisted, “Everybody has scummy things that they do. A little bit of lunch money from a dead guy is not bad. It’s not going to hurt somebody or cause damage.” Despite his attempts to explain his actions, Hagenbuch’s behavior raised alarm bells, prompting the rookie firefighter to report the theft to his supervisor once they returned to the fire station.

Investigation and Consequences

Following the report, law enforcement attempted to speak with Hagenbuch, but he hired an attorney and refused to cooperate. Hagenbuch later apologized to his superiors, admitting to the mistake. He resigned from the Sarasota County Fire Department shortly after the incident. The Sarasota County Fire Department issued a statement confirming Hagenbuch’s resignation and clarified that the department had notified law enforcement immediately after the allegations surfaced. The department emphasized its commitment to accountability and ensuring that such actions are addressed appropriately. Hagenbuch was arrested and taken to the Sarasota County Jail, where he later bonded out. He now faces charges of grand theft, with a court date scheduled for May 22.