ONTARIO COUNTY, NY — A former treasurer of the Citizens Hose Company in Shortsville has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from the fire company over a four-year period, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced today.
Jill Havens, was charged with grand larceny. Authorities said she used her position as treasurer from 2018 to August 2022 to issue unauthorized checks and make personal purchases using company funds.
She allegedly altered the fire company’s financial records to cover up the theft, which was used to pay off credit card debts, make retail purchases, and fund online video games.
“Jill Havens allegedly betrayed the trust of the fire company and her community by diverting funds meant to protect the residents of Shortsville and surrounding communities to fund her lifestyle,” DiNapoli said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, despite our warnings of needed improvements in oversight, this is the second theft my office has found by this company’s officials in six years. Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Ritts and Sheriff Cirencione, Havens will be held accountable for her actions.”
Ritts emphasized the importance of investigating and prosecuting cases of stolen fire company funds.
“At a time when budgets are stretched and our fire companies are doing everything they can to provide a valuable service, the larceny of funds must be investigated and prosecuted. This case is no different. I would like to thank the Ontario County Sheriff and the State Comptroller’s Office for their hard work and collaboration.”
Cirencione added, “This is the second case we have investigated this year resulting in the arrest of those entrusted with protecting such funds. We are disappointed to see individuals undermine public trust for their personal gain. We commend those who came forward and assure our community we will continue to aggressively investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The case was referred to DiNapoli’s Division of Investigations by the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office after company members raised suspicions about the theft. Havens also served as town clerk for Manchester, and an investigation into her actions in that role is ongoing.
Havens’ predecessor as treasurer was convicted of grand larceny in 2019 after stealing more than $24,000. Following that case, the Comptroller’s Office issued an audit report in 2020 recommending stronger internal controls at the company.
Havens was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of grand larcenyand is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 23.