The former chief of the Border City Hose Company has pleaded guilty to stealing almost $20,000 from the company.
John Morabito served as chief of the Hose Company, which is one of two fire companies in the Border City Fire District that serves residents in town of Waterloo. While he was chief, from 2015 to 2021, he stole $16,000 in donations, rental hall payments, and income received by the Hose Company.
Morabito made $16,000 in cash withdrawals and also used the Hose Company’s home improvement store credit card to make $2,200 in unauthorized purchases of construction supplies, tools, bathroom light fixtures, and a table saw for his personal residence.
Morabito pleaded guilty to misapplication of property and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and paid back full restitution of $18,772. Additionally, Morabito is prohibited from having fiduciary responsibilities within the Hose Company, if permitted to rejoin the company.
“Mr. Morabito’s theft of money meant to protect his community was a violation of the public’s trust and a betrayal of his office,” New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. “I thank District Attorney Ritts and the New York State Police for partnering with my office to hold him accountable and make the company whole.”
Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts said, “At a time when funding for our Fire Departments and Hose Companies is so important, restoring the funding, assuring accountability, and protecting the companies was our driving concern. I am pleased we were able to address these concerns. The investigation by the New York State Police and the Comptroller’s Office made accomplishing these goals possible. The District Attorney’s office appreciates everyone’s efforts.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, along with our partners at the State Comptroller’s Office and Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this dishonest act. Mr. Morabito knowingly defrauded, and preyed on the public’s philanthropy, all to fill his pockets and satisfy greed. We will not tolerate the conduct of those who take advantage of their position to steal money meant to benefit the community.”
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