By Laura French
ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — A New York volunteer EMS captain has been charged with four felony counts after allegedly misappropriating more than $22,000 from his agency.
Sloatsburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps Capt. Matthew Gannon, 53, was charged with third-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records, first-degree offering a false statement for filing, and first-degree scheme to defraud, according to the Rockland County district attorney’s office. The charges stem from an investigation that began last month.
“The arrest of a member of the volunteer emergency services of Rockland is always a sad day in the county,” District Attorney Thomas Walsh said in a statement. “The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office will be conducting a historical forensic audit to determine if any further criminal activity occurred and whether additional criminal charges are warranted.”
Gannon’s alleged crimes reportedly led to severe financial problems at the agency, contributing to its defunding and closing last month, according to The Journal News.
“The Village is deeply saddened and disappointed that another public servant has betrayed the trust of our community for financial gain. The public health and safety were also threatened with the turmoil and demise of the Sloatsburg Ambulance Corps. It is a private organization and for many decades was comprised of dedicated, competent, and honest individuals,” Sloatsburg Mayor Carl S. Wright wrote in a statement.