June 2, 2015
By Neal Tepel
Albany, NY – Lisa Stone, the former treasurer for Pulteney Fire District No. 2 stole more than $9,000 in public funds. She falsified vouchers and paid herself an additional illegal salary. She also made personal purchases using district funds.
“Too many fire districts fall prey to those who abuse public money for personal gain,” DiNapoli said. “Such crimes can be deterred by proper oversight. The first line of defense is checks and balances, even in the smallest of departments. We will continue to partner with law enforcement to hold accountable those who violate the public trust. I thank Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case.”
The Comptroller’s audit found that from 2009 to 2014, fire district money was not properly safeguarded, allowing Stone to steal $9,224. She wrote herself extra salary checks, paid for personal items and bought tools for use in her husband’s business.
As treasurer, Stone was the chief fiscal officer responsible for district funds. She is due back in court on July 23 for sentencing.
DiNapoli made several recommendations to the district that included the adoption of policies for investment, procurement and financial oversight.
