William Storrs, the former chief and treasurer of the Marbletown Volunteer Fire Department, has been sentenced to four months of weekends in Wayne County Jail and five years of probation after being found guilty of stealing more than $101,000 from the department. He is also required to pay $101,394.50 in restitution.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli commented on the case: “William Storrs abused the trust of the community he was sworn to serve and protect by stealing over $100,000 in fire department funds for his own profit,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our partnership with the New York State Police and District Attorney Callanan, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the money he stole will be recovered.”
Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan stated: “Public funds exist to serve the community, not to line the pockets of those in power. Mr. Storrs’ theft was a serious breach of duty, but today he has been held to account and ordered to repay every dollar he stole. Let this outcome serve as a warning: anyone who abuses their position for personal gain will face consequences, and the resources they took will be restored to the people they belong to.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James added: “Fire chiefs take an oath to place the well-being of others above themselves, and as such, are held to a high standard. Mr. Storrs had no regard for the department or community and knowingly took advantage of a position he was entrusted in and promised to uphold. I thank our State Police members and partners at the Comptroller’s Office and Wayne County District Attorney’s Office for their diligent work on this case.”
A joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and New York State Police began in 2024 following allegations of theft within the Marbletown Fire Department. Investigators determined that between January 2020 and July 2024, Storrs used his roles as treasurer and later chief to make unauthorized purchases with department debit cards, transfer funds from department accounts into his own accounts, pay off his wife’s credit card debt using departmental money, and buy items from various retailers.
The misuse came to light when another member tried unsuccessfully to use a department debit card due to insufficient funds. This led fire officials to notify State Police who then worked with DiNapoli’s office on further investigation. In July 2024, Storrs was replaced as chief and suspended from all fire department activities.
Storrs received his sentence before Judge Richard M. Healy in Wayne County Court.
Since taking office in 2007, Comptroller DiNapoli has emphasized efforts against public corruption throughout New York State. The public is encouraged to report suspected fraud involving taxpayer money by calling 1-888-672-4555 or contacting the Office of the State Comptroller’s Division of Investigations via email or mail.
