(ST. LOUIS, AP) — A former fire chief for two eastern Missouri departments is facing federal charges for allegedly taking nearly $600,000 from one of the districts.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in St. Louis says 43-year-old Eric Hinson was indicted Wednesday on one count of mail fraud and five counts of tax evasion.

Hinson is the former chief in the Franklin County town of St. Clair and the St. Louis County town of Ladue. The allegations all involve his time in St. Clair. Authorities say the crimes occurred between 2006 and September 2011.

Federal prosecutors say Hinson took cash advances and spent district money on family vacations to Florida and Hawaii, entertainment and other personal purchases.

Hinson’s attorney blames the problems on what he called an accounting matter.