DiNapoli: Monterey Fire Department President Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Funds from the Department

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Schuyler County District Attorney Jeremy Hourihan and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of Kelly S. Groves, the president and interim treasurer of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department, for allegedly stealing over $3,000 from the department. Groves, 49, of Beaver Dams, was charged with grand larceny in the third degree.

"Kelly Groves violated the trust placed in her by her community by allegedly stealing funds meant to protect their health and safety," DiNapoli said. "The fact that this community was previously victimized by corruption among its fire department officials, deepens her betrayal. My thanks to District Attorney Hourihan and the New York State Police for their continued partnership and ensuring she will be held accountable."

"The Schuyler County DA's office takes allegations of larceny from volunteer fire departments and first responders very seriously. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases that violate the trust of the public. I would like to thank the State Comptroller's Office and the New York State Police for their hard work and collaboration in this matter," Hourihan said.

"I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, along with our partners at the State Comptroller's Office and Schuyler County District Attorney's Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this dishonest act. Ms. Groves allegedly defrauded and preyed on the public's philanthropy, putting the well-being of the community in jeopardy. We will not tolerate the conduct of those who take advantage of their position and steal money meant to safeguard the citizens of New York State," James said.

DiNapoli's office received a complaint regarding Groves' handling of funds and subsequently opened a joint investigation with the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit into the allegations. The investigation determined that Groves stole over $3,000 from the department from 2018 until 2022 by withdrawing cash from the department's bank account and making personal purchases with its debit card between Sept. 19, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2022.

Groves, as treasurer, did not deposit any cash collected from the fire department's fundraisers or member dues for three years, 2019 through 2021 into department accounts. The forensic analysis found that Groves withdrew nearly $20,000 from department accounts; however, she could provide less than $5,000 in receipts to support the cash withdrawals.

After joining the department in 2003, Groves held various positions and is currently its president. She served as both the president and interim treasurer from August 2018 through Dec. 31, 2022. She became president again in January of 2024 after a year of absence from the department.

In 2013, based upon an investigation by DiNapoli's office, the former chief and treasurer, who were husband and wife, were convicted of embezzling over $100K from the department.

Groves appeared before Judge Kristina Vondracek in Schuyler County Centralized Arraignment Part Court. She is due back in court on Feb. 10.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to [email protected]or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.