ONEIDA COUNTY, NY — Jonnell Rose, the former treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department, was arrested and arraigned in Vernon Town Court on charges of stealing $309,000 from the department.
According to a joint statement from the state comptroller’s office, the Oneida County district attorney’s office, and the New York State Police, Rose allegedly committed the theft between May 2018 and May 2024. He is accused of writing fire department checks to cash and depositing checks meant for vendors into his personal bank account.
A forensic examination of Rose’s financial activities revealed that he made numerous personal purchases with the stolen funds, including cryptocurrency transactions, credit card payments, and cash withdrawals.
Rose faces second-degree grand larceny charges in connection with the embezzlement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure accountability for the misappropriation of the fire department’s funds.
