Law & Justice firegeezer on 01 Jul 2008 08:21 am
NY Couple Plead Guilty To VFD Embezzlement
A SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, COUPLE pleaded guilty on Monday to felony embezzlement charges of stealing funds from the West Crescent Fire District.
Lee F. Lussier, 51, was the treasurer of the volunteer fire company and admitted to stealing $43,000 over a 6-year period. His wife Dawn Lussier, 46, handled the hall rentals and admitted that she has stolen $18,400 from the department.
Most of the thefts involved bank deposits being made by Mrs. Lussier and then funds being withdrawn at an ATM machine or by writing checks made out to “Cash” with Mr. Lussier doctoring the books to cover up the withdrawals. Their scheme came to light in early 2007 when a audit of the FD’s books showed discrepancies. In October the findings were turned over to the State Police for investigation and prosecution.
The Saratoga County District Attorney asked the judge to accept the guilty pleas and is requesting that both of them serve some jail time along with paying full restitution of the missing funds. The judge will pass sentences on them within the next 90 days.
The Schenectady Daily Gazette has a detailed STORY.
