A former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, was arrested for allegedly stealing over $92,000 from the Department over a seven-year period, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police announced today.
“Ms. Simchik allegedly used Fire Department funds for her own entertainment betraying her community’s trust,” DiNapoli said. “My office makes it a priority to combat fraud and protect public money. I thank the New York State Police for partnering with my office to hold her accountable.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The arrest of Ms. Simchik sends a clear message that alleged criminal behavior among those entrusted in their position will be thoroughly investigated. We will not tolerate any illegal financial acts, and I applaud the work of our members and our partners at the Comptroller’s Office for holding those individuals who do so accountable.”
Simchik allegedly spent Fire Department funds on personal items like a movie channel subscription, plane tickets and at a spa and nail salon. She also used the Fire Department’s debit card to make payments at local casinos.
The theft was discovered when another Fire Department member attempted to make a deposit and was informed by the bank that the 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, was arraigned before Judge Long Gu in Oneida County central arraignment for the Town of Verona Court on charges of grand larceny in the second degree and corrupting the government in the second degree. She is due back in court on Nov. 26.
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.