State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan and the New York State Police announced William Storrs, a former fire chief and treasurer, was arrested today for stealing $101,000 from the Marbletown Volunteer Fire Department in Newark, New York.

“William Storrs was elected fire chief after serving as treasurer, and took advantage of these positions to mislead and betray his department and community,” DiNapoli said. “Storrs allegedly stole funds meant to support the department and used them for his own personal needs. Thanks to the New York State Police and DA Callanan, Storrs will be brought to justice.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “This arrest demonstrates that public servants who take advantage of their position will be held accountable for their actions. Mr. Storrs was entrusted by the Marbletown Fire Department to serve and protect the community, but instead put his greed first. I applaud the work of the State Police members assigned to this case, the Comptroller’s Office, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office for their perseverance and dedicated work in exposing this fraud.”

Investigators with DiNapoli’s office launched a joint investigation into the Marbletown Fire Department with the New York State Police in 2024 to look into allegations of theft. They found Storrs used his position as treasurer and then chief to allegedly steal $101,000 over four years. From January 2020 to July 2024, he is accused of making numerous personal purchases with the fire department’s debit cards and making direct payments from the department’s accounts. He made payments to his wife’s credit card and purchased items from various retailers.

The theft was discovered when a member of the fire department attempted to make a purchase with the department’s debit card and it was declined due to lack of funds. The fire department then reported the unauthorized activity to the State Police.

When the theft allegations came to light in July 2024, Storrs was replaced as chief and suspended from the Fire Department.

Storrs was charged with grand larceny in the second degree and was arraigned in Wayne County Centralized Arraignment Part Court.

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.