Former fire company financial secretary pleads guilty to stealing nearly $18,000 from parade funds

WALLKILL, New York — The former financial secretary of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Wallkill has pleaded guilty to a grand theft charge for stealing $17,947 from the fire company’s parade fund, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced.

Lynn T. Simpson, 43, admitted in court Nov. 1 to stealing funds while working as the fire company’s financial secretary and co-chairman of its parade committee. The funds were intended for a parade scheduled for September 23, 2023, which had to be canceled just eleven days before the event due to theft. Thirty-five other fire companies were expected to take part in the parade, but due to the theft, the company did not have the necessary resources to continue operating.

According to a New York State Police investigation, Simpson misappropriated funds over the course of a year, from August 2022 to September 2023, by making 83 unauthorized ATM withdrawals using a fire company debit card. Because of her position, Simpson had access to the fire company’s bank accounts, and she ultimately drained nearly $18,000 from the parade fund account.

As part of her plea agreement, Simpson agreed to fully repay the stolen funds.

District Attorney Hoovler condemned these actions, stating, “The actions of this defendant in stealing money from a volunteer fire company are reprehensible and unfair not only to the brave men and women who selflessly serve as firefighters, but also to the community that was deprived of opportunity.” to express your gratitude. Volunteer fire departments in Orange County have long been a rallying point for community pride.”

The case was investigated by the New York State Police, whose efforts were praised by Hoovler. The District Attorney’s Office has vowed to continue pursuing individuals who steal from volunteer and charitable organizations.