A former treasurer for the Vernon Center Fire Department will serve time in state prison after admitting to stealing more than $300,000 from the department over several years.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that Jonnell Rose, 52, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and ordered to pay full restitution.
Rose pleaded guilty in August to grand larceny in the second degree. Investigators found he wrote himself checks from the fire department’s account and deposited checks meant for vendors into his own personal account, taking roughly $309,000 between May 2018 and May 2024.
“Instead of serving his department, Jonnell Rose chose to serve himself by stealing over $300,000 in money meant to protect his community,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “This crime was a serious betrayal of the public’s trust.”
District Attorney Carville said Rose “violated that trust” and “victimized the selfless men and women volunteers of the Vernon Center Fire Department and the entire community they serve.”
State Police Superintendent James added that the case underscores the importance of accountability in public service, saying law enforcement will continue to uncover and investigate financial crimes that undermine community confidence.
Rose’s sentence was handed down by Judge Michael R. Nolan in Oneida County Court.
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