New Shire of Cuballing deputy CEO Sam Anthony Curulli suspended with pay three days into job pending charges

A Wheatbelt shire has been left reeling after its freshly appointed deputy chief executive was accused of defrauding his former local government workplace of more than $17,000, only days into his new role. Sam Anthony Curulli began his first day of work in the Shire of Cuballing executive team on March 16. On March 18, he appeared before Perth Magistrates Court charged with seven offences including fraud, two counts of acting corruptly as a public officer and stealing. All charges were allegedly committed against the Shire of Coorow in the Mid West, where he served as deputy chief executive from January until October last year. It is alleged the 27-year-old defrauded the shire of $17,380 and stole an iPad, Apple pencil, AirTags, a HP laptop and monitor worth about $5000. He is accused of purchasing electronic devices using shire funds between May and December 2025 and on-selling them for about $8000. It is also alleged Mr Curulli had shire funds fraudulently transferred to his personal bank account and also used ratepayer funds to buy items for himself. Shire of Cuballing chief executive Chris Paget told the Observer that Mr Curulli had only been in the shire’s administrative office for a day and a half before the charges relating to his former employment came to light. “We learnt about his charges and subsequent court appearance through a WA Police media release early yesterday morning (March 18),” he said. “Due to the various serious nature of the allegations, the shire has subsequently suspended him on full pay (in line with contract and legislative requirements) whilst we investigate further and establish more facts around the matter. “He has been given the opportunity and contact details to access our independent Employee Assistance Program provider if he so wishes.” Mr Curulli’s remuneration package at the Shire of Cuballing ranges between $147,250 to $170,850 per annum, according to the job advertisement posted on the shire website in December. He will face court again on April 23.