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Elizabeth Burns-Scott, 44, of Buchanan, is accused of stealing about $14,800 from various Verplanck Fire Department accounts, between Nov 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012, according to the District Attorney's office. New York State Police were contacted about the theft in June after members of the Verplanck Fire Department membership became aware of the theft, according to sources in the department.
“This defendant, in her capacity as treasurer, violated the trust and the position she held on behalf of these volunteer firefighters and, instead of overseeing the donations and other money the department used to benefit the public safety of the residents of Verplanck, she used it for her own personal gain," said District Attorney Janet DiFiore.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shara Abraham of the Public Integrity Bureau.
Burns-Scott was vested with signatory authority on the Verplanck Fire Department accounts, and a press release from the DA's office said Burns-Scott "would withdraw cash from ATM’s and use the department’s debit card for purchases."
Burns-Scott's next court appearance is Dec. 20. She faces a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison if convicted.
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