SOUTH PARIS — A former Sumner fire chief and his wife, a former selectmen, will be sentenced next year for theft and must repay a total of $15,000 to the town, according to Oxford County Superior Court documents.

Robert Stewart, 70, and Kelly Stewart, 59, pleaded guilty Feb. 14 to theft by unauthorized taking in a case brought in 2023. In exchange for their guilty pleas, a more serious charge of theft by deception was dropped for each of them.

Robert Stewart worked for the Fire Department for 25 years, including 18 years as chief. His wife was a selectman and secretary for the Fire Department.

Judge Phillip Mohlar ordered the couple to pay nearly $15,000 in restitution to the town — $9,551.16 for Robert and $4,992.17 for Kelly. Each must also pay an administrative supervision fee to the courts of $25 per month for one year, or a total of $300 each, according to court documents.

Both were released on personal recognizance, with sentencing deferred to Feb. 14, 2026. Until then, they must not have direct or indirect contact with Sumner officials except while voting, not enter the residences, places of employment or places of education of Sumner officials, and not be on town properties, except to use the town sand pit.

According to the court agreement, if the Stewarts abide by those conditions, they will each face a $400 fine.

In early 2023, town officials shared concern over possible misappropriated fire department funds and equipment with the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.

At the Select Board meeting April 25, 2023, Robert Stewart said he was resigning as fire chief.

On May 2, 2023, the town hired Matt Tarasevich of Bernstein Shur law firm in Portland to look into misappropriated funds and equipment. He revealed his findings during an executive session of the Select Board on July 19, 2023.

Kelly Stewart resigned as selectman about a week later.

The Stewarts were arrested Aug. 4, 2023, by the Sheriff’s Office.