Central NY fire department treasurer stole $92,000 for spas, casinos, entertainment, officials say

Durhamville, N.Y. — The former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department has been arrested after officials say she stole $92,000 from the fire department.

She used the money for various personal purchases including plane tickets, spa and nail salon visits and a movie channel subscription, state officials said.

Kimberly Simchik, 62, of Durhamville, was arrested for stealing from the fire department over a seven-year period, according to news releases from state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the State Police.

Simchik also used the department’s debit card to make payments at local casinos, they said.

The fire department learned about the theft when a member attempted to make a deposit, but was told by the bank the account had been closed due to a negative balance.

The fire department reached out to troopers who partnered the comptroller’s office to investigate.

Simchik was arraigned in the Town of Verona court on charges of grand larceny and corrupting the government. She is due back in court on Nov. 26.

She has resigned from the fire department, officials said.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.