A former fire chief and treasurer of the Marbletown Volunteer Fire Department has been arrested for allegedly stealing $101,000 from the department over four years.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan, and the New York State Police announced the arrest of William Storrs on Friday. Investigators say Storrs used department funds to pay off his wife’s credit card and make personal purchases from various retailers.
“William Storrs was elected fire chief after serving as treasurer, and took advantage of these positions to mislead and betray his department and community,” DiNapoli said. “Storrs allegedly stole funds meant to support the department and used them for his own personal needs.”
An investigation launched by the State Comptroller’s Office and State Police in 2024 uncovered that from January 2020 to July 2024, Storrs allegedly misused fire department debit cards and made direct payments from the department’s accounts for personal expenses. The scheme unraveled when a department member attempted to use a debit card for an authorized purchase and was declined due to insufficient funds. This prompted an internal review, leading to the discovery of unauthorized transactions and a formal complaint to law enforcement.
Storrs was removed as fire chief and suspended from the department in July 2024 after the allegations came to light.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable. “Mr. Storrs was entrusted by the Marbletown Fire Department to serve and protect the community, but instead put his greed first,” James said.
Storrs has been charged with grand larceny in the second degree and was arraigned in Wayne County Centralized Arraignment Part Court.
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