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DiNapoli: Former Fire Company Treasurer Charged in $20,000 Theft

A former Citizens Hose Fire Company official was charged today with grand larceny in the third degree after allegedly stealing over $20,000 in Fire Company funds, following an audit and investigation by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Ontario County Sheriff Philip C. Povero.

Former Company and Auxiliary Treasurer Wendy Wharton, 53, of Manchester, allegedly took thousands of dollars in cash withdrawals and advances from the fire company's credit and debit cards to gamble at casinos in the Finger Lakes, Central New York and Las Vegas.

DiNapoli Announces Oil Spill Fund Agreement With St. Lawrence County

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced an agreement between the New York Environmental Protection and Spill Compensation Fund (Oil Spill Fund) and St. Lawrence County to convert the site of an abandoned auto repair garage in the Village of Canton into a community green space with access to the Grasse River. The county and village have entered into a separate agreement as part of the deal.

Rochester Attorney Admits to Unlawfully Receiving Retirement Benefits

Diane M. Cecero, age 64, of Pittsford, New York, admitted today to unlawfully "double-dipping" and receiving state retirement benefits to which she was not entitled. She agreed to pay back those benefits, with interest, as part of a pretrial diversion agreement.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.