New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, pleaded guilty to stealing over $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period. As part of the plea, she will pay restitution of just over $92,000 and faces 1 to 3 years in jail at sentencing.

“Kimberly Simchik diverted fire department resources to bankroll her personal life, betraying the trust of the community she served,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding her accountable.”

Carville said, “The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in bringing the defendant to justice. This reprehensible act has no place in our society. Stealing from our volunteer service, the great men and women who dedicate their time and talent to the Durhamville Fire Department, is wholly unacceptable and inexcusable. I would like to thank my Assistant, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Schultz, for holding Ms. Simchik accountable for her actions.”

James said, “For years this suspect stole funds from the Durhamville Fire Department, using the money for her own enjoyment and personal gain. This guilty plea exemplifies that public servants who take advantage of their position will be held accountable for their actions. The State Police will continue to work with the Comptroller’s Office and Oneida County District Attorney’s Office to end these types of crimes and hold accountable those who mistakenly think they can get away with them.”

Simchik stole over $90,000 in fire department funds by using the department’s debit card to make payments at local casinos and by diverting checks made out to the department into her personal account. She also spent department funds on plane tickets, spas, and nail salons.

The theft was discovered when a fire department member attempted to make a deposit and was informed by the bank that the department account had been closed due to a negative balance. The fire department subsequently reached out to the New York State Police, who partnered with DiNapoli’s office to conduct an investigation and forensic analysis. Simchik has since resigned from the fire department.

Simchik, 62, of Durhamville, pled guilty to grand larceny in the second degree and corrupting the government in the second degree before Judge Michael R. Nolan in Oneida County Court. She is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 21, 2025.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to [email protected] or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.