A former volunteer fire chief in Schoharie County has been arrested on allegations that he stole nearly $10,000 from his fire department and a fund dedicated to fallen firefighters.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and New York State Police Superintendent Steven James announced the arrest of 44-year-old Matthew Deffer of Esperance, the former chief of the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department. Deffer was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday in Schoharie County.
According to investigators, Deffer had signatory authority and access to the Village of Esperance EMS account while serving as fire chief. Authorities allege he wrote two checks to himself totaling approximately $3,900 from the account.
Investigators said that after the thefts were discovered, Deffer attempted to repay the money with a personal check that later bounced. Authorities said his father ultimately repaid the funds.
A subsequent investigation by the State Comptroller’s Office and State Police allegedly uncovered additional thefts involving the Schoharie Fallen Firefighters Memorial fund. Investigators said Deffer had sole access to the account and allegedly stole an additional $5,751.
Authorities allege Deffer transferred $2,900 from fire department funds into the memorial account before draining the account of all its money between May and August 2025.
“Matthew Deffer betrayed his position of trust as fire chief by allegedly stealing money meant to protect his neighbors and honor those who sacrificed themselves for their community,” DiNapoli said in a statement.
State Police Superintendent Steven James said the investigation found Deffer violated the public trust by allegedly stealing from both the fire department and the memorial fund.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the State Comptroller’s Office and New York State Police.
