The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed it is investigating the misappropriation of funds from the Walworth Fire Department, providing the first official details about an inquiry acknowledged earlier this week by town officials.
The criminal investigation involves a former member of the fire department and has been underway since February, the sheriff’s office said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. Authorities did not identify the former member, disclose the amount of money involved or say whether anyone has been charged.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and ongoing, limiting what investigators can release publicly.
“No additional details will be released at this time,” the agency said. “Further information will be provided if and when it is appropriate to do so without compromising the integrity of the investigation.”
The update follows a statement issued Tuesday by Walworth Town Supervisor Laura Elsbree, who said the town was aware of an open investigation involving the Walworth Fire Department, Inc.
Elsbree’s statement did not describe the nature of the investigation or identify anyone involved. It emphasized that the Town of Walworth has no affiliation with the Walworth Fire Department or the Walworth Fire District.
The supervisor directed questions about the matter to the Walworth Fire District Board of Commissioners or the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s statement Wednesday confirmed that the investigation concerns the alleged misappropriation of department funds, but it left several central questions unanswered.
Investigators have not said when the suspected misappropriation occurred, how it was discovered or how much money may be missing. The sheriff’s office also did not explain the former member’s position within the department or whether the person remains connected to any local fire organization.
No arrests or criminal charges were announced in Wednesday’s update.
The sheriff’s office did not provide an expected timeline for completing the investigation. Additional information will be released only when investigators determine that doing so would not interfere with the case.
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