Miami's First Black Female Firefighter Indicted for Fraud

In 1986, Veldora Arthur became the first black female firefighter in Miami

Veldora Arthur made history when she became the first black female firefighter in Miami's storied history.

Now she finds herself at the center of a federal probe for trying to make a little money on the side.

Arthur, who is the assistant fire chief, was arrested recently on federal fraud charges, her attorney confirmed Monday.

The arrest has been kept very quiet and brings another corruption controversy to the city, adding to the problems in the Police Department and City Hall.

Arthur, 45, allegedly was a part of a mortgage scheme that involved two properties in Aventura. She allegedly lied on mortgage documents that she submitted to buy the two properties.

A grand jury indicted Arthur on three fraud charges.

Attempts to reach Arthur at her home were unsuccessful. The Fire Department has not commented on the issue.

In 1986, Arthur was thrust into the limelight when she became the city's first female African American firefighter. She rose through the ranks and became Assistant Fire Chief responsible for the Technical Services Department in October 2010.

It was the highest rank for an African American firefighter in the 114-year history of the department.

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