
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 27, 1995                   TAG: 9507270090
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                  LENGTH: Short

STATE OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLING

The administrative manager of the state Office of Emergency Medical Services has been arrested and charged with stealing a ``substantial amount'' of money from the office.

Malcolm R. Nicholls Jr. was arrested Tuesday by the state police at his Chesterfield County home. He was charged with grand larceny and was being held in the Richmond City Jail without bond awaiting a court hearing.

An audit by the state Department of Health and the state auditor of public accounts is being done to ascertain the amount of money allegedly missing.

Nicholls oversaw the office's estimated $10 million annual budget, which comes from a $2 fee charged every time one renews his or her vehicle registration.

The agency licenses and certifies emergency medical service personnel.

Nicholls also served as treasurer of the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad, which serves part of south Richmond and a portion of Chesterfield County.

- Associated Press

by CNB