An ex-official of the Vernon Center Fire Department has been apprehended under allegations of misappropriating over $300,000 from the department’s funds. This announcement was made jointly by State Auditor Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County Attorney Todd Carville, and officers from the New York State Police. The individual in question, Jonnell Rose, is confronting charges of grand theft.
The combined investigative efforts established that Rose, age 51 and a resident of Vernon, is alleged to have diverted $309,000 from the department’s finances stretching over a six-year timeline, from May 2018 up to May 2024. There are assertions of Rose converting fire department-issued checks into hard cash.
Moreover, there are suspicions that he re-directed checks, originally intended for legitimate department vendors, into his private accounts. Accusations include Rose taking advantage of his role to deposit checks intended for the department into personal banking accounts.
Forensic examination of the financial transactions has allegedly unveiled a pattern wherein Rose utilized the purloined funds for personal expenses and activities. Included among these were operations linked to cryptocurrency, settling credit card bills, and withdrawing cash using the embezzled funds.
Rose has since been presented in the Vernon Municipal Court to face the charges being levelled against him. ‘Jonnell Rose is alleged to have used his trusted post to re-route funds destined to ensure his community’s safety for his own monetary gain,’ stated DiNapoli.
In expressing his gratitude for the assistance in bringing the case to light, DiNapoli extended his appreciation to District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their cooperative role throughout the investigative procedures.
In reaction to the distressing revelations, the fire department took to its social media platform, Facebook, to address the issue with its followers and assure them of their continued dedication to service and the necessary reforms.
The statement read: ‘The new revelations involving our fire department are deeply unsettling. It is both frustrating and disconcerting to recognize how funds meant to safeguard lives and property possibly got redirected for personal benefits.
Our volunteer firefighters are indomitable in their commitment, investing significant time and energy to ensure the well-being of our community members. To know that their efforts may have been undermined in such a way is indeed disquieting.’
As a response to these revelations, the department has asserted its commitment to restoration and reform, stating, ‘In order to prevent the recurrence of such an unfortunate incident, we have put into operation stringent policies and mechanisms.
We are devoted to ensuring both public money as well as individual contributions are utilized with utmost responsibility and transparency. Our members are relentlessly working through this predicament as we persist in our duty of protecting and serving the fire district and the neighbouring areas.’
In parting, the department acknowledged their community’s unwavering support, stating, ‘We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for your consistent support in the past.
Your backing has been pivotal in these tumultuous times. We assure you, our commitment to ensuring your safety and maintaining a trustworthy relationship with our community remains unwavered.’
We eagerly anticipate continuing to serve you and ensure your safety in the days to come.’ The Vernon Center Fire Department’s sentiment echoed the hopeful outlook that despite the current adversities, they would rise to the occasion and uphold their commitment to the community they serve.
While the incident has certainly shocked the community and those involved, the promising response by the fire department, and their dedication to instituting safeguarding measures paints a hopeful picture for the future of the department.
As the legal proceedings against Rose continue, the department’s resilience and commitment shine through, indicating that the community can continue to trust their efforts.