A former treasurer for the Vernon Center Fire Department has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from the volunteer department over six years.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says 52-year-old Jonnell Rose of Vernon took the money between May 2018 and May 2024, using it for personal expenses — including cryptocurrency transactions, credit card payments, and cash withdrawals.
How the theft happened
According to investigators, Rose wrote department checks to cash, deposited vendor payments into his personal accounts, and diverted checks meant for the fire department into his own bank account.
A joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police uncovered the scheme. Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville called the crime “particularly disturbing” because it targeted a community organization staffed by volunteer firefighters.
Facing sentencing this fall
Rose pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny before Judge Michael Nolan in Oneida County Court. He will be sentenced on October 28.
DiNapoli urged the public to report fraud involving taxpayer or community funds to his office’s fraud hotline or website.
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