Orange County News
For Immediate Release Contact: Richard Moran
Monday, July 24, 2023 845.291.2053
District Attorney Hoovler Announces State Prison Sentence in Fire Company Larceny Case
Former Treasurer of Volunteer Fire Company sentenced to state prison for stealing over Four Hundred Thousand Dollars
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday July 24, 2023, Ian Harriton, 29, of Monroe, New York, was sentenced to a period of four to twelve (4 -12) years in state prison following his previously entered plea of guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
Harriton, while in his role as Treasurer of the Monroe Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company, embezzled funds from the company over a period of more than eighteen months beginning in May of 2020 and continuing through December of 2021. In total, Harriton admitting to stealing over four hundred twenty-one thousand dollars from the fire company, housed in Monroe, New York. In addition to state prison, Harriton was also ordered to pay full restitution.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their arrest of the defendant and their assistance in conducting the investigation that confirmed the extent of Harriton’s theft.
“This defendant took advantage of his role within a volunteer fire company to help himself instead of working to help others” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Volunteer firefighters are some of the bravest people in our communities, routinely choosing to put themselves in harm’s way in an effort to help their fellow citizens. The defendant’s actions violated the trust of not only his fellow firefighters but the community as a whole. I am grateful to the New York State Police for their thorough investigation, and I am thankful that the members of the Monroe Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company can continue to provide a vital service to the people of Orange County.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Peter Fernandez.
This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.