During his first appearance in Halifax County District Court Tuesday, the former commander of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, who is charged with embezzlement, had a public defender assigned, according to court records.

Timothy Pittman's public defender, Rena Spellman, also filed a request for discovery in the case. In the discovery request, she is seeking access to investigative files, a list of witnesses and experts, exculpatory and impeachment evidence, procedural and surveillance details, and deadlines and compliance information.

A disposition hearing has been set for April 23.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department last week charged Pittman with allegedly embezzling more than $127,000 by using an RVRS Visa card over the last 11 months.

Pittman allegedly used the card to pay his personal utility and other expenses, the RRPD said in a statement last week.