District Attorney Hoovler Announces Guilty Plea in Theft of Parade Funds from Washington Heights Fire Company
Former Financial Secretary of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Wallkill
Pled Guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree for Stealing $17,947 from the Parade Fund
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Friday, November 1, 2024, Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the Parade Fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Wallkill. At the time that she pled guilty, Simpson admitted to embezzling the funds while acting as the Financial Secretary of the Fire Company, and co-chair of the parade committee. As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all of the stolen funds.
The Washington Heights Fire Company was scheduled to host a parade on September 23, 2023, that was to include the participation of thirty-five other fire companies. As a result of the embezzlement by Simpson the parade had to be cancelled eleven days prior to the event.
An investigation by the New York State Police revealed that between August 29, 2022, and September 8, 2023, Simpson was a member of the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company located at 10 Ohio Place in Middletown, New York. Simpson was previously trained as an exterior firefighter and had also been with active fire police. In her role as the fire company financial secretary, Simpson had access to the fire company’s bank accounts and ultimately stole approximately $17,947 in cash. Simpson stole the funds from the fire company’s parade bank account by utilizing a debit card to make 83 unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of Simpson.
“Firefighters, both volunteer and paid, bravely place their lives on the line to protect our lives and property, and the community shows their appreciation by supporting local volunteers and attending parades,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “This defendant’s actions in stealing money from a volunteer fire company is reprehensible and unfair not only to the brave men and women who unselfishly serve as firefighters, but also to the community who were robbed of an opportunity to show their appreciation. Volunteer fire departments in Orange County have long stood as a rallying point of community pride. I thank the New York State Police for their investigation into the theft of these funds, and my office will continue to prosecute those who steal from volunteer and charitable organizations.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda M. Bettinelli.
This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.