VERNON CENTER, N.Y. — A former treasurer for the Vernon Center Fire Department has been arrested and charged with second-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from the department, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Jonnell Rose, 51, of Vernon, was charged after a joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police found he allegedly stole $309,000 from the department from May 2018 to May 2024. DiNapoli announced the arrest on Thursday Feb. 6, in conjunction with Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville and the State Police.
“Jonnell Rose allegedly exploited his position of trust to divert money meant to protect his community for his own financial benefit,” DiNapoli said in the announcement..
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The investigation found that Rose allegedly wrote Fire Department checks to cash and deposited checks purportedly written to various legitimate department vendors into his personal accounts. He is also accused of depositing checks intended for the department into his own bank account.
A forensic examination revealed that Rose made numerous personal purchases and payments, including crypto-currency transactions, credit-card payments, and cash withdrawals with the stolen funds, the comptroller noted.
Rose was arraigned in Vernon Town Court.
“Thus far it has been revealed that Jonnell Rose allegedly violated the trust of the Vernon Center Fire Department members and the public when he used his position to steal funds that were meant to benefit the community,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said. “We have zero tolerance for those who abuse their position for their own personal gain.”
