Former Finger Lakes Area Fire Chief Admits Theft

The former chief of a volunteer fire company north of Corning in Schuyler County is admitting he stole thousands of dollars from the department.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says former Monterey Fire Chief Larry States’ guilty plea to a grand larceny count sends a message that “If you steal public money, we will catch you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

States will be sentenced in January.  His wife, Kimberly, who was treasurer, will be sentenced next month.

Prosecutors say the couple allegedly stole over $100,000 from the small, rural volunteer fire company over the course of five years.

Officials claimed the couple used the money to help make mortgage payments, buy cell phones, groceries, concert tickets, pay for family vacations and make vehicle payments.

The 41 year old former fire chief faces up to seven years in prison. His 46 year old wife could get up to 15 years in prison.

Larry States was also employed by the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department as a sergeant and jail administrator.