DiNapoli: Former Chief of Border City Hose Company Pleads Guilty to Stealing Company Funds and Repays More Than $18,000

July 25, 2024

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts, and the New York State Police announced the guilty plea of John Morabito, former chief of the Border City Hose Company, for theft of $18,772 from the company.

"Mr. Morabito's theft of money meant to protect his community was a violation of the public's trust and a betrayal of his office," DiNapoli said. "I thank District Attorney Ritts and the New York State Police for partnering with my office to hold him accountable and make the company whole."

Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts said, "At a time when funding for our Fire Departments and Hose Companies is so important, restoring the funding, assuring accountability, and protecting the companies was our driving concern. I am pleased we were able to address these concerns. The investigation by the New York State Police and the Comptroller's Office made accomplishing these goals possible. The District Attorney's office appreciates everyone's efforts."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, along with our partners at the State Comptroller's Office and Ontario County District Attorney's Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this dishonest act. Mr. Morabito knowingly defrauded, and preyed on the public's philanthropy, all to fill his pockets and satisfy greed. We will not tolerate the conduct of those who take advantage of their position to steal money meant to benefit the community."

Morabito, 71, served as chief of the Hose Company, which is one of two fire companies in the Border City Fire District that serves residents in the City of Geneva and the Village of Waterloo. While he was chief, from 2015 to 2021, he stole $16,000 in donations, rental hall payments, and income received by the Hose Company.

Morabito made $16,000 in cash withdrawals and also used the Hose Company's home improvement store credit card to make $2,200 in unauthorized purchases of construction supplies, tools, bathroom light fixtures, and a table saw for his personal residence.

Morabito pleaded guilty to misapplication of property and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and paid back full restitution of $18,772. Additionally, Morabito is prohibited from having fiduciary responsibilities within the Hose Company, if permitted to rejoin the company.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236