The former treasurer for the West Fulton Fire Department was arrested by the Schoharie County Sheriff’s office last week on two felony counts after she allegedly spent more than $11,000 of the department’s funds on herself.
Renee L. Salisbury, 23, now of Oneida but formerly of Fultonham, was arrested on charges of third-degree grand larceny and second-degree forgery, both felonies, last Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s office.
Ms. Salisbury, who was treasurer of the department from January 2, 2007 to February 2, 2009, allegedly wrote unauthorized checks to Wal-Mart and to cash and did not deposit some donations, said Investigator Nelson Armlin.
The two-month investigation began around the beginning of the year after members of the department, including Chief Gary English, contacted the Sheriff’s office with a concern and a request for an investigation of the department’s finances after noticing inconsistencies in monthly bank statements, police said. Ms. Salisbury was still treasurer at the time.
The investigation disclosed that funds were expended without appropriate authorization and that it is believed that $11,162.81 is missing, police said.
Investigator Armlin said that the investigation revealed that Ms. Salisbury made out unauthorized checks totaling about $3,800 to Wal-Mart and another $4,500 to cash, which she allegedly cashed. The totals also include overdraft fees.
There was also $400 in donations that was unaccounted for and never deposited, he said and another $1,500 in missing funds.
Sheriff John Bates said it is too soon to determine whether the department will be getting its money back.
He said restitution is an important part of the case by the district attorney’s office.
There is “a very good possibility” that there will be additional charges in the case once all the figures are sorted out, Investigator Armlin said.
Police said the case remains open at this time and the district attorney’s office is reviewing the case for possible additional charges.
Ms. Salisbury, who moved to Oneida about a month ago, was arraigned on March 11 and sent to county jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. She was bonded out later that day, Investigator Armlin said.
She is scheduled to return to the Town of Fulton court on Tuesday, March 24 at 9:30am for further action.