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 was sentenced to serve 1-3 years in state prison and pay $92,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from the fire department.
“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,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in bringing Simchik to justice.”
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.”
James said, “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, 62, pleaded guilty in September to stealing more than $90,000 from the local fire department. She used the department’s debit card at area casinos and deposited checks meant for the department into her own bank account, spending the money on travel and spa treatments.
When the fire department noticed problems in its account it contacted the New York State Police. The ensuing investigation conducted by the State Police and DiNapoli’s office uncovered the details of Simchik’s crimes.
She was sentenced before Judge Michael R. Nolan in Oneida County Court.
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 filing a complaint online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.