Former Shire of Coorow deputy accused of continued offending after fraud arrest

Why This Matters

• The case raises questions about the integrity of local government administration in small shires.
• Public trust in elected and appointed officials is at stake when such allegations emerge.
• The outcome will test the criminal justice system's handling of alleged repeat offending by a public servant.

Background

The Shire of Coorow is a rural local government area in Western Australia's Mid West region. Sam Curulli was the deputy CEO at the time of his initial arrest in March 2026. The precise nature of the original charges and the alleged further offences remain unclear from available reports.

Key Perspectives

Police: Allege that Curulli continued to offend after his March arrest, suggesting a pattern of behaviour. The accused: Has not publicly commented on either the initial charges or the new allegations. Local community: Residents and ratepayers may be concerned about the governance and financial management of their shire.

What to Watch

• Whether additional charges are formally laid by police.
• Any court appearances or bail conditions that may be imposed.
• The response from the Shire of Coorow council, including potential suspension or further investigations.