A former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, has been sentenced to serve one to three years in state prison and ordered to pay $92,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from the fire department. The announcement was made by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Simchik, 62, admitted in September to taking more than $90,000 from the fire department. She used the department’s debit card at local casinos and deposited checks intended for the department into her personal bank account. The stolen funds were spent on travel and spa treatments.
The theft came to light when discrepancies were found in the fire department’s accounts. The Durhamville Fire Department then contacted the New York State Police. An investigation conducted by both the State Police and the Office of the State Comptroller revealed details of Simchik’s activities.
Thomas P. DiNapoli stated: “The sentence in this case should be a warning to anyone tempted to abuse their position of trust for their own financial gain. We will find you and you will be held accountable for your actions.” He also thanked Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their work on this case.
District Attorney Carville said: “Stealing from our volunteer service is a reprehensible act which is wholly unacceptable and inexcusable. The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office would like to commend the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in investigating this matter and in bringing the defendant to justice.”
Superintendent James commented: “Public service requires the highest level of integrity, and any breach of that trust undermines confidence in the institutions that serve our communities. I commend the State Comptroller’s Office and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office for their thorough work and partnership throughout this investigation. New Yorkers can be assured that when public funds are misused, it will be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”
Simchik was sentenced before Judge Michael R. Nolan in Oneida County Court.
Since 2007, Comptroller DiNapoli has worked against public corruption across New York state. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected fraud involving taxpayer money by calling 1-888-672-4555 or filing a complaint online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations.
