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Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty 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 Middletown.
As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said.
The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which included the participation of 35 other fire companies. However, Simpson's theft forced the parade to be canceled 11 days before the event.
Hoovler said an investigation by the New York State Police revealed that Simpson was a department member between August 2022 and September 2023.
He said Simpson was trained as an exterior firefighter and was active with the fire police. As the fire company's financial secretary, she had access to its bank accounts and stole $17,947 in cash.
Simpson stole the funds using 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 Hoovler. “This defendant’s actions in stealing money from a volunteer fire company is reprehensible.”
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