Detroit firefighter accused of collecting paychecks while in jail

Some Detroit firefighters come forward believing that one of their own is cheating the system.

They say a firefighter collected paychecks and overtime, while sitting in jail.  A Detroit firefighter is the subject of an internal investigation after concerns were raised about his work hours and the possibility of Steven Cooley may have been in two places at once.

West Bloomfield Township police arrested Cooley in December for drunk driving after he crashed into another car with his blood alcohol content .24.

His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit and Cooley was also carrying a pistol.

He was charged with a DWI and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence. Cooley was eventually convicted and sentenced to 93 days in the Oakland County Jail on Feb. 8.

He was released April 22. Sources tell FOX 2 someone within the fire department filed paperwork on Cooley's behalf to have him report to the Hazmat unit. This allowed Cooley to appear to be working and even get overtime all while behind bars.

Fire Commissioner Eric Jones released a statement which said in part:

"DFD first became aware of this issue on Monday, April 18, 2016. At that time the fire department undertook an examination of Mr. Cooley's work status. Based on initial findings, the department has referred this matter to DPD's internal affairs unit for further investigation."

A big part of Detroit police's internal affairs is investigating serious allegations across multiple city departments. It will be up to DPD to decide if any laws were broken.

In 2011 Cooley was arrested in Howell for an OWI, operating while intoxicated.