An Oswego County fire chief has been charged after a state comptroller's audit found he allegedly stole $2,700 in gas from the fire department for his personal use.
Pennellville Volunteer Fireman's Association Fire Chief Duane Royal, 54, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny Sunday. He admitted that he used the association's gas pump to fill his fire chief's truck, which he then used for his work as a process server.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's staff also learned Royal was suspended for one month after he sold the truck for $3,000 and didn't inform the association of the transaction.
The audit uncovered other financial oversight issues at the Pennellville VFA. The department couldn't account for cash disbursements and the treasurer didn't have receipts for 261 deposits totaling $134,882, according to the state comptroller's office.
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And without treasurer reports, the VFA's board members couldn't determine whether fundraisers actually benefited the department.
"Once again we see another alleged crime that was easily prevented by proper oversight," DiNapoli said in a statement. "This VFA never followed the money. Unfortunately, their hands-off approach led to serious problems. By partnering with the New York State Police and Oswego County District Attorney Gregory Oakes, we are holding this fire chief accountable."
DiNapoli's office issued several recommendations, including strengthening internal controls and training the treasurer to adequately perform their duties.
The comptroller also urged the department to issue monthly reports on financial transactions and tighten fuel purchase controls.
According to DiNapoli, VFA officials accepted the audit's findings and said most of the recommendations have been implemented.
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's audit of the Pennellville Volunteer Fireman's Association by robertharding22