Contact: Captain Stephen J. Lynch, Detective Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1008

On Friday, September 1, 2006, the Rhode Island State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Jerilyn J. Majeika, age 45, of 2081 South County Trail South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on one count of Unlawful Appropriation from the Richmond-Carolina Fire District (RCFD) totaling approximately $262,000. Majeika was employed as the RCFD Tax Collector from 1999 to 2006. The embezzlements occurred between 2004 and 2006.

The State Police Financial Crimes Unit conducted the investigation after receiving a complaint from the RCFD in July 2006. An internal investigation is also being conducted by the RCFD.

The investigation revealed that Majeika was engaged in a scheme to misappropriate and convert RCFD funds to her own use and a scheme to conceal those thefts from RCFD officials. The scheme included the establishment of an unauthorized RCFD bank account and the theft of checks from taxpayers. These stolen checks were then deposited into the unauthorized account and the funds were then removed. The stolen checks included payments received from RCFD taxpayers, the conversion of checks issued by closing attorneys on behalf of RCFD taxpayers, government checks, and insurance reimbursement checks.

The proceeds from these fraudulent conversions were primarily spent at gaming facilities and for other personal expenses. This investigation was conducted by Sgt. Brian K. Casilli and Det. Todd E. Catlow.

Majeika was arraigned at State Police Headquarters by Justice of the Peace Richard Finnigan and released on $1,000 personal recognizance. A Pre-Arraignment conference has been scheduled for November 3, 2006.

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