MINEOLA, N.Y. — Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly has announced the arraignment of John Shellock, 84, of Westbury, on charges of embezzling approximately $490,000 from the Carle Place Volunteer & Exempt Fireman’s Benevolent Association. Shellock, who served as the treasurer since the early 1990s, faces one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.

The alleged embezzlement occurred between January 2013 and September 2023, during which Shellock is accused of treating the non-profit’s funds as personal assets, writing checks to himself and using the money to pay off personal debts. The discovery of these unauthorized transactions led to his arraignment before Judge Madeleine Petrara-Perrin, where he was released to pre-trial services and is due back in court on August 15, 2024.

The Carle Place Firemen’s Benevolent Association, funded by member dues and a state-imposed fire insurance tax, aids disabled or indigent firefighters and supports families with funeral expenses. Shellock’s actions reportedly involved forging signatures to bypass the organization’s dual-signature requirement for issuing checks.

The investigation into these allegations began after the Benevolent Association’s President contacted the Nassau County Police Department on October 10, 2023, following suspicions about the misuse of the organization’s funds. If convicted, Shellock could face five to 15 years in prison.

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