Union Emergency Squad Official Charged with Grand Larceny

A top administrator of the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad has been accused of stealing training course payments.

LUTHER TAYLOR (Photo: New York State Police)

Authorities said 59-year-old Luther Taylor of Binghamton faces two felony counts following an investigation over the past several months.

According to New York State Police, Taylor was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records.

Investigators revealed the charges Wednesday, one week after Taylor was arrested. It's believed that several thousand dollars may have been stolen.

Police began looking into the matter in May when Taylor had been accused of taking American Heart Association cards from the squad. He is said to have deleted computer records to cover up the crime.

Officials said Taylor collected cash payments when teaching first aid and other classes to individuals and businesses. He allegedly issued Union Volunteer Emergency Squad-owned electronic and paper course completion cards while keeping the money. He is accused of deleting course records.

Taylor was ordered to appear in Union town court on October 16.

The Union Volunteer Emergency Squad posted this statement on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon:

To Our Followers and Town of Union Community:
UVES is aware of today’s press release that was made by the NYSP Investigators regarding the arrest of a former employee of our organization. As the investigation and court proceedings are ongoing, we cannot comment on specific information beyond what has already been provided.
As a non-profit organization, our members work diligently to maintain the public’s trust. Through our internal fiscal controls, UVES quickly discovered the activity in question and turned the matter over to the NYSP for investigation. We continue to work with the NYSP and other agencies as the case progresses.

We want to thank our Community for their understanding and continued support as this matter closes into the future. Recognizing 45 years of service to the Community, UVES will continue to meet our Mission to the Town of Union.

This story was update to include new information and the statement released by the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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Source: Union Emergency Squad Official Charged with Grand Larceny