ST. JOHNSVILLE, N.Y. (New York State Comptroller’s Office) – A former chief financial officer of the St. Johnsville Volunteer Ambulance Corp. has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $26,000 from the organization she once helped oversee, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Shannon Countryman, 46, faces charges of grand larceny and forgery after using her position to divert funds meant for emergency medical services to cover personal expenses. She was arraigned in St. Johnsville Town Court and is scheduled to return on March 26.
A joint investigation conducted by the State Comptroller’s Office and the New York State Police found that between April and October 2023, Countryman issued unauthorized checks to herself, falsely claiming they were for personal and sick leave accruals. Investigators say she was not entitled to the payments and forged the signature of the ambulance board’s chairman on several checks.
Authorities say much of the stolen money was used for home improvements, including a new roof and the installation of a well. The total amount taken from the company’s accounts was $26,456.04.
“Shannon Countryman allegedly abused her position of trust to divert funds meant to protect the health and welfare of her community to fund her personal expenses,” said Comptroller DiNapoli.
Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson stressed the need for accountability, stating, “Individuals who take advantage of their employment position to commit financial crimes will be held responsible for their actions.” She also thanked investigators from the Comptroller’s Office and the State Police for their work.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James described the conduct as a “clear-cut example of an individual using their position for their own personal benefit.”
Countryman had served as the volunteer ambulance company’s CFO for nearly two decades before the alleged theft. Authorities have emphasized that the charges are accusations at this stage, and Countryman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
