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

WALLKILL, NEW YORK The former financial secretary of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Wallkill has pleaded guilty to embezzling $17,947 from the fire company’s fund, Orange County District Attorney David M. Huler announced.

Lynn T. Simpson, 43, pleaded guilty in court Nov. 1 to stealing funds while she was the fire company’s financial secretary and co-chair of its parade committee. The funds were earmarked for a parade scheduled for September 23, 2023, which had to be canceled just eleven days before the event due to the theft. Thirty-five other fire companies were expected to participate in the parade, but the robbery left the company without the necessary resources to continue.

According to a New York State Police investigation, Simpson embezzled funds over a one-year period 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 eventually drained nearly $18,000 from the parade fund account.

As part of the plea deal, Simpson agreed to make full restitution of the stolen funds.

District Attorney Hoovler condemned the 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 a community that was robbed of an opportunity to show 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 Hoovler praised. The district prosecutor’s office promised to continue to bring to justice those who steal from volunteer and charitable organizations.