By Derrick Elk
The Courier
SCHUYLER COUNTY, N.Y. — A Schuyler County fire chief and his wife are accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from their fire department.
Kimberly States, who served as treasurer of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department, is charged with second-degree grand larceny. Her husband, Larry States, the Monterey fire chief, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, according to Horseheadsbased New York State Police investigators.
The States’ arrest on Friday followed an audit and investigation by the New York State Comptroller’s Office, which traced an alleged misappropriation of funds over a five-year span back to them, according to a news release.
“For more than five years, these officials were able to embezzle department funds to help pay for their home mortgage, cellphones, groceries, concert tickets, family vacations and a personal vehicle,” Comptroller Tom Di-Napoli said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, my office continues to uncover cases where public figures abuse their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers.
Thankfully, the coordinated efforts of the New York State Police and members of my staff helped bring these individuals to justice. My office will fully look into the wrongdoing of these individuals to ensure that any inappropriate activity is identified,” DiNapoli said.
The audit by the Comptroller’s Office began in 2012 and is continuing.
DiNapoli said the further investigation will include the Schuyler County Sheriff ‘s Office, where Larry States served as a sergeant and jail administrator.
Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Yessman was unavailable for comment late Friday afternoon, and States’ employment status was unclear.
The States are scheduled to appear in Orange Town Court on Feb. 12.
“For more than five years, these officials were able to embezzle department funds to help pay for their home mortgage, cellphones, groceries, concert tickets, family vacations and a personal vehicle.”
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