Former St. Johnsville Ambulance CFO Accused of Stealing Over $26,000
A former chief financial officer of the St. Johnsville Volunteer Ambulance Corp. has been charged with stealing more than $26,000 from the organization, according to state officials.
Shannon Countryman, 46, was arrested on charges of grand larceny in the third degree and forgery in the third degree. The charges were announced Wednesday by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson, and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Authorities allege that Countryman wrote unauthorized checks to herself from the ambulance company’s accounts between April and October 2023, claiming payments for personal and sick leave accruals she was not entitled to receive. Investigators also allege that she forged the signature of the organization's board chairman on some of the checks.
According to officials, a significant portion of the funds was used for home renovations, including a new roof and well installation.
Countryman, who had served as CFO since 2004, was arraigned in St. Johnsville Town Court and is scheduled to return to court on March 26.
In a statement, DiNapoli said the alleged misuse of funds took resources away from the community and praised the collaboration between his office, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, and State Police in investigating the case.
Pearson and James also emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct in public service roles.
The charges against Countryman are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
State officials encourage the public to report suspected fraud involving taxpayer money through the comptroller’s fraud hotline or online complaint system.