Former Fire Official Charged With Stealing $38K from North Bellmore Fire District

Carbone, a former fire district employee, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted

MINEOLA, NY - Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a former fire department official for the North Bellmore Fire District has surrendered to her office on charges that he stole more than $38,000 from the district.

Carbone, 46, of North Merrick, was arrested Monday morning by DA Investigators and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Official Misconduct. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. He is expected to be arraigned today in First District Court, Hempstead.

Rice said that on or about July 2, 2007, Carbone received a check from the Hartford Insurance Company in the amount of $38,743.70. Hartford manages a fire district annuity fund that benefits injured or retiring firefighters. During an internal audit, Hartford discovered the district had inadvertently overpaid management-related fees on the account, prompting the insurance company to issue a reimbursement check. The annuity is funded by contributions made by department members, while some expenses are paid for by the district’s general fund.

During an internal audit of the fire department’s finances, an outside accountant discovered that the reimbursement check was never deposited in the district’s account. It is believed that Carbone, who received the check in his duties as District Clerk Supervisor, deposited the money into his personal bank account on Aug. 14, 2007 and used the money to pay his bills and everyday expenses.

Carbone was placed on leave in January 2008, pending the outcome of the fire district’s investigation. The case was referred to the DA’s Office in March 2008. His final day as an employee of the fire district was May 12, 2008. Carbone had spent more than 24 years with the fire district. His annual salary was $95,770.43.

“Mr. Carbone stole from the men and women who volunteer their time to protect his community,” Rice said. “Volunteer firefighters perform an incredible community service and they deserve better than this gross violation of the public trust.”

Handling the case for the DA’s Office is Andrew Garbarino of the Public Corruption Bureau. The defendant is represented by Richard Gumo, Esq.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.