New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Schuyler County District Attorney Jeremy Hourihan, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today that Kelly S. Groves, the president and interim treasurer of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department and her daughter, Kali Horton, were indicted on charges of grand larceny in the third degree and official misconduct in relation to their alleged theft of $20,000 from the department. Groves, 49, and Horton, 27, both of Beaver Dams, were arraigned before Judge Matthew Hayden in Schuyler County Centralized Arraignment Part Court.
“Instead of safeguarding funds meant to protect their community, Kelly Groves and her daughter betrayed their trust by allegedly pocketing money for personal gain,” DiNapoli said. “Unfortunately, this is the second time the department has been victimized by corruption among its leadership. My office will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure they will be held accountable. My thanks to District Attorney Hourihan and the New York State Police for their work on this case.”
“Volunteer fire departments depend on the trust and support of the communities they serve, and allegations that funds intended to support that mission were diverted for personal use are taken seriously,” James said. “The New York State Police will continue working with Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office and the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office to thoroughly investigate allegations of financial crimes and hold accountable those responsible when supported by the evidence.”
DiNapoli’s office received a complaint regarding Groves’ handling of funds and subsequently opened a joint investigation with the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit. The investigation determined that Groves, as treasurer, did not deposit any cash collected from the fire department’s fundraisers or member dues into department accounts for three years (2019 through 2021). Rather, Groves allegedly stole over $20,000 from the department from 2018 until 2022 by withdrawing cash from the department’s bank account and making personal purchases with its debit card between Sept. 19, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2022. Horton acted as secretary and also collected money from fundraisers that was not deposited.
After joining the department in 2003, Groves held various positions and is currently its president. She served as both the president and interim treasurer from August 2018 through Dec. 31, 2022. She became president again in January of 2024 after a year of absence from the department.
In 2013, based upon an investigation by DiNapoli’s office, the department’s former chief, Larry States, and his wife, Kimberly States, who was treasurer, were convicted of embezzling over $100,000 from the department. Larry States was sentenced to one and one-third to four years in state prison, while Kimberly States was sentenced to one year of incarceration.
Groves and Horton are due back in court on Oct. 22.
The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.