Troy Mac Hohenberger, the former Argyle Fire Chief, has been sentenced for federal violations, U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs announced today. Hohenberger, 65, was found guilty of multiple federal charges related to the misuse and theft of funds from the Argyle Fire District, Inc. operating account, and for making false statements to the Department of Labor.
On August 1, 2024, U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III sentenced Hohenberger to 50 months in federal prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $509,807.50 in restitution to the Argyle Fire District, Inc. and to forfeit $28,048.34.
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Court documents revealed that Hohenberger misappropriated over $490,000 from the Argyle Fire District’s operating account, which included federal funds from Medicare reimbursements. He used these funds to cover personal credit card bills, including cash advances at casinos, payments related to a family member’s business in Hawaii, and other personal expenses.
Furthermore, Hohenberger failed to fund firefighter retirement accounts within the federally required timeframe, embezzled those funds, and submitted false statements about the ERISA-qualified firefighter retirement plan to the Department of Labor. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2022.
“Today’s sentence underscores our commitment to addressing crimes involving the misuse, theft, and embezzlement of retirement and pension plan assets, particularly when committed by fiduciaries entrusted with protecting employee benefit plans,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. “Hohenberger’s decision to prioritize personal gain over his fiduciary duties has resulted in significant prison time. We commend the diligence and partnership of the FBI and the Department of Labor in bringing this case to justice.”
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FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough emphasized the personal impact of Hohenberger’s actions: “Financial fraud is not a victimless crime. Hohenberger didn’t just embezzle federal funds; he took money intended for his colleagues’ retirement accounts and selfishly spent it on himself. We are grateful to the Department of Labor and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their help in holding this individual accountable.”
Deborah Perry, Dallas Regional Director of the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, added, “This case should serve as a clear warning to anyone involved with employee benefit plans that the federal government will aggressively pursue those who commit crimes against employees and retirees of private-sector pension and health plans.”
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