By Kate Kinane

A North Merrick man was charged with stealing more than $38,000 from the North Bellmore Fire District’s fund for retirees and injured firefighters, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said Monday.

John Carbone, 46, the former district clerk supervisor, received a $38,743 reimbursement check from Hartford Insurance Company in 2007 after the company discovered that the district had overpaid management fees for the insurers to run an annuity fund for the district, Rice said. Later, during an internal audit of the fire department’s finances, an accountant discovered that the check had never been deposited into the department’s account, according to the district attorney. Carbone, who received the check, is believed to have deposited the money into his personal bank account and used the money to pay for everyday expenses and bills, Rice said.

“Mr. Carbone stole from the men and women who volunteer their time to protect his community,” Rice said in a statement. “Volunteer firefighters perform an incredible community service and they deserve better than this gross violation of the public trust.”

Carbone, who earned $95,770 annually after 24 years on the job, was placed on leave last year pending the outcome of the investigation. The case was then referred to the district attorney and he was let go soon after that.

Carbone was charged with grand larceny and official misconduct. He faces up to seven years in prison, if convicted. He pleaded not guilty before Judge Tricia Ferrell during his arraignment Monday at First District Court in Hempstead.

He is being represented by Malverne-based attorney Richard Gumo, who was unreachable by phone for comment. Carbone, who was released without bail, is due back in court on Aug. 27.