Former Treasurer Admits Embezzling Fire Company Funds

PORT CHESTER, NY — The former treasurer of Putnam Engine & Hose Company No. 2 was arrested and pleaded guilty last week to embezzling more than $38,000 from the department. Robert Gerardi is scheduled to be sentenced March 8.

Gerardi, 62, of Port Chester, was elected to the position of treasurer of Putnam Engine & Hose in October 2016. He embezzled money from the volunteer fire company by making withdrawals from its bank accounts and by charging personal expenses to its debit card. He told the president of Putnam Engine & Hose that the missing funds had been stolen from the bank accounts. The fire company put him on leave in 2017 and began investigating the problem.

SEE: Former Port Chester Fire Treasurer Expelled; Missing Money Probe Continues

“Former treasurer Robert Gerardi allegedly fell for an online scam and stole nearly $40,000 to pay for it, violating his duty to the public and to his fellow firefighters," Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. "This case illustrates the need for vigilant oversight of anyone in charge of public funds.”

Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced.

“Those who serve the public should be held to a higher standard of integrity and accountability. Gerardi violated his most basic duty when he decided to use the funds entrusted to his care to cover his own financial losses," FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said in the announcement. "The FBI and our state and local partners will continue to investigate and bring to justice public servants who abuse public trust.”

Gerardi's theft is small potatoes compared to other recent local fire department scandals. Gerald Munson stole more than $300,000 from the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department. Albert Melin took more than $1.1 million from the Patterson Fire Department. And Michael Klein embezzled $5.6 million dollars over 14 years. Officials said Klein spent most of the money on yachts, jewelry and a second home in Florida.

SEE:

• Former Treasurer Stole More Than $300K From Croton FD: DA
• Ex-Treasurer to be Sentenced in Patterson FD Embezzlement
• Plea from Former Mahopac Fire Department Treasurer in $5.6M Theft

PHOTO/ Village of Port Chester