Retired Dispatcher Charged with Stealing from Fire Department
George William Gray was arrested by DA investigators and charged with stealing over $196,000 from Glen Cove Fire Department.
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Retired dispatcher George William Gray—or Bill as he was known to the community—was arrested on Tuesday morning and charged with stealing over $196,000 from the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department between May 10, 2003 and March 6, 2009.
The 68-year-old man of Henderson, N.C retired in 2009 after 34 years as a dispatcher and 44 years as a volunteer firefighter for the department.
Those who knew him are shocked and saddened by the allegations: "If it's true, it's really something that regrettably affects this man," said Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, who served as a volunteer firefighter with Gray from 1983 to 1984. "It goes against the grain of all I know about the fire service. It's a brotherhood. It would be an unfortunate thing."
For 20 years, Gray served as chairman for the department's fund drive. It was from this fund—sponsored completely by volunteer donors—that Gray is accused of writing himself over 300 checks and forging the GCFD's treasurer's signature on over 100 of them during the six-year period.
Gray pleaded not guilty to Nassau County Court on Tuesday afternoon to charges of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, 104 counts of Criminal Possession of a forged instrument in the Second Degree, and three misdemeanor charges of Official Misconduct.
Gray used the funds to purchase model trains and gourmet cigars, according to Nassau County District Attorney's office.
It was not until after Gray's retirement that the department learned of the thefts. Chief Anthony Tripp contacted Mayor Suozzi who then hired an auditor and reported the incident to the DA's office.
"This defendant not only preyed on the generosity of Glen Cove residents, but he stole money from the volunteer men and women who put their lives on the line to protect their community," Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice said in a press release.
If convicted, Gray faces up to 15 years in prison. A court date is set for Monday, Oct. 4.
Members of the Glen Cove Fire Department declined to comment.
Patch will update the story as more information becomes available.
