DiNapoli: Former treasurer of Oneida County fire department pleads guilty to stealing over $92K

DURHAMVILLE, N.Y. — The former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department in Oneida County pleaded guilty to stealing over $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period. As part of the plea, Kimberly Simchik, 62, of Durhamville will pay restitution of just over $92,000 and faces 1 to 3 years in jail at sentencing. Simchik pled guilty to grand larceny in the second degree and corrupting the government in the second degree before Judge Michael Nolan in Oneida County Court. She is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 21. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven James announced Simchik’s guilty plea. “Kimberly Simchik diverted fire department resources to bankroll her personal life, betraying the trust of the community she served,” DiNapoli said in the announcement. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding her accountable.” DiNapoli’s office explained that Simchik stole over $90,000 in fire department funds by using the department’s debit card to make payments at local casinos and by diverting checks made out to the department into her personal account.  She also spent department funds on plane tickets, spas, and nail salons. The theft was discovered when a fire department member attempted to make a deposit and was informed by the bank that the department 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.