Former Deputy CEO Charged With 46 New Offences
Sam Curulli, the former deputy chief executive of Coorow Shire, has been charged with 46 additional offences, ranging from fraud to drug possession, following his March arrest. The charges cover a period between his dismissal and the present day and will be heard at Perth Magistrates Court. The cas…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Sam Curulli, the former deputy chief executive of Coorow Shire in Western Australia, has been charged with a fresh batch of 46 offences by police. The new allegations, announced on Saturday, cover a range of criminal conduct that police say took place between Curulli’s March arrest and the present day. The charges include drug supply, possession of methylamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, fraud, and breaches of bail conditions. The case will be heard at Perth Magistrates Court on Saturday, where Curulli will face the full extent of the allegations.
Background of the Case
Curulli, 27, was first arrested in March 2026 for a series of offences that involved attempting to gain benefits through fraud, corruption, and theft while working for Coorow Shire. Police alleged that he used council expense accounts to purchase items for personal use and then sold some of those items for profit. The initial investigation also uncovered evidence that Curulli had accessed social media and email accounts unlawfully to send himself false messages, which were used to obtain a court order. The council said that Curulli was dismissed after the allegations became public and that he was suspected of stealing items worth approximately $3,000 from the council’s office the day after his termination.
Curulli’s career began as a governance officer at two metropolitan councils before he was appointed deputy chief executive of Coorow Shire in 2025 at the age of 26. He left the council in December 2025 and, in February 2026, was appointed deputy chief executive of the Shire of Cuballing. The council’s announcement of his appointment highlighted his experience across governance, strategy, legal and risk, procurement and contracts, community development, and special projects.
New Charges and Allegations
According to a statement released by Western Australia Police, the new charges cover a period from Curulli’s March arrest to the present. The charges include:
- 16 counts of gaining benefit by fraud
- 6 counts of making, using, or supplying identification material with intent to commit an offence
- 1 count of possession of identification material with intent to commit an offence
- 2 counts of breaching protective bail conditions
- 2 counts of supplying a prohibited drug
- 1 count of possession of methylamphetamine
- 1 count of possession of drug paraphernalia
Police say the drug allegations stem from Curulli’s alleged supply of methylamphetamine and possession of related paraphernalia. The fraud counts relate to the alleged misuse of council expense accounts and the sale of council property for personal gain. The identification material charges involve the alleged creation and use of false documents to facilitate the other offences.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Curulli will appear before Perth Magistrates Court in Northbridge on Saturday to face the new charges. The court hearing is expected to address the full range of allegations, including the drug supply and possession charges, as well as the fraud and bail breach counts. If found guilty, Curulli could face significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Lawyers for Curulli have not yet released a statement regarding the new charges. The case remains ongoing, and the court is expected to provide further details on the prosecution’s evidence and the defence’s arguments during the hearing.
Implications for Local Governance
The case raises serious concerns about the oversight and accountability mechanisms within local government bodies. It highlights the potential for abuse of public funds and the importance of robust internal controls to prevent misuse of expense accounts and other resources. The incident also underscores the need for clear procedures for handling allegations of misconduct and for ensuring that former officials are held accountable for any wrongdoing.
What to Watch For
Observers will be looking for:
- Evidence presented by the prosecution regarding the alleged drug supply and fraud
- The defence’s strategy and any mitigating factors presented
- Potential implications for Coorow Shire and Cuballing Shire, including any internal reviews or policy changes
- Public reaction and any calls for reforms in local government oversight
The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how local government officials are prosecuted for misconduct and may prompt a review of governance practices across Western Australia.
Key facts
- Sam Curulli, former deputy CEO of Coorow Shire, charged with 46 new offences
- Charges include drug supply, possession, fraud, and bail breaches
- Court hearing scheduled for Saturday at Perth Magistrates Court
- Case highlights potential misuse of public funds and governance oversight issues
- Outcome may prompt reforms in local government accountability
Why it matters
The case illustrates how former local government officials can misuse public resources and underscores the importance of accountability and oversight in public administration. It also highlights potential gaps in the system that allow misconduct to continue unchecked, raising concerns for community trust and governance integrity.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new charges against Sam Curulli?
Curulli faces 46 new charges, including 16 counts of fraud, 6 counts of making or using false identification, 2 counts of breaching bail conditions, 2 counts of supplying a prohibited drug, possession of methylamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
When will Sam Curulli appear in court?
He is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court in Northbridge on Saturday to face the new charges.
What could be the potential penalties if convicted?
If convicted, Curulli could face significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, depending on the severity of each offence.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Former shire deputy continued offending after March arrest, police allege”
