Penn Township Resident Faces Charges for Fraud Against Emergency Services

Penn Township, Adams County, PA, September 7, 2025

News Summary

Darrell Cornett, Jr., a resident of Penn Township, is facing multiple charges for allegedly defrauding local fire and police departments out of over $157,000 through his business, First Response Emergency Lighting LLC. Allegations suggest that between February 2021 and December 2024, Cornett failed to deliver promised equipment and services, leading to significant financial losses for local agencies. His ongoing trial will address these serious claims and determine possible penalties.

Adams County, PA — Darrell Cornett, Jr., a 37-year-old resident of Penn Township, is facing new charges for allegedly defrauding local fire and police departments out of over $157,000 through his business, First Response Emergency Lighting LLC. These charges were brought forth after it was claimed that Cornett failed to deliver equipment and complete contracted work between February 2021 and December 2024.

The total loss reported by various victims reaches $157,925.22. This figure includes substantial amounts lost by several local agencies, with the most notable instances being the City of Taneytown, which reportedly incurred a loss of $28,108.20 due to contracted police interceptors that were never completed, and the Liberty Township, which lost $19,196.40 for an incomplete police interceptor job.

Previously, in July, Cornett faced charges for deceptive or fraudulent business practices, categorized as a third-degree felony, regarding a failure to install equipment for the Hanover Area Fire & Rescue, costing them $3,986. The latest filings by the police include 10 additional theft reports connected to his business.

List of Allegations and Victims

Recent reports highlight the following specific claims and corresponding financial losses:

• City of Taneytown, Md.: Two police interceptors, total loss of $28,108.20.
• Hampstead, Md. Fire Department: Paid $3,057 for an emergency light bar, did not receive it.
• Liberty Township, Adams County: Paid $19,196.40 for a police interceptor; minimal work was completed.
• Marriott Emergency Equipment, Shippack, Pa.: Unpaid debt of $7,971 for emergency equipment.
• 911 Rapid Response, Annville, Pa.: Lost $16,175.65 for equipment purchased without payment across eight invoices.
• Concours Automotive, Ambler, Pa.: Six unpaid invoices totaling $15,893.44.
• Strobes N’More, Westerly, Rhode Island: 16 unpaid invoices totaling $62,168.33.
• Manchester, Md. Fire Department: Missing a $465.20 rear camera for vehicle upfitting.
• West Manheim Township: Reported loss of $3,944 for incomplete work on two police interceptors.
• Individual loss of $946 for personal gear purchased from Cornett but never received.

Legal Proceedings

Cornett now faces multiple charges including four counts of deceptive or fraudulent business practices categorized as a third-degree felony, four counts of theft by unlawful taking also a third-degree felony, and two counts of deceptive or fraudulent business practices as a first-degree misdemeanor. During police interviews, Cornett did not deny his financial obligations or the failure to deliver promised products and services.

His defense attorney, Amanda Marie Jones from The McShane Firm, was unavailable for comment regarding the case. Both the initial and these new charges against Cornett have advanced to the York County Court of Common Pleas for further legal processing.

Background Context

Operating from February 2021 through December 2024, Cornett’s business catered mainly to local emergency services in the region, providing equipment crucial for public safety. His alleged fraudulent activities not only caused financial strain on various departments but have raised concerns regarding the accountability and oversight of businesses operating within such a sensitive sector.

The ongoing trial will determine the extent of Cornett’s liabilities and whether he will face further penalties for these serious allegations.

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Additional Resources

• Evening Sun: Hanover Area Business Owner Charged
• CBS6 Albany: Spin Doctors Band Equipment Theft
• Fox 5 San Diego: 90’s Band Equipment Stolen
• Fox 29: Lawn Equipment Theft
• CBS News Pittsburgh: Westmoreland County Theft
• Google Search: Business Fraud Theft 2025
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft
• Google News: Theft in Construction Equipment
• Google Scholar: Fraud in Emergency Services

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