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NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller
Contact: Press Office 518-474-4015

DiNapoli: Former Mahopac VFD Treasurer Sentenced After $5.6 Million Embezzlement

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL KLEIN, the former treasurer of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department ("MVFD”), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel to 77 months in prison for wire fraud, subscription to false tax returns, obstruction of the grand jury, and false statement charges arising out of his embezzlement of more than $5.6 million from the MVFD.

DiNapoli: Prior Justice Clerk Sentenced in $63,000 Theft of Court Fines

The former Ellery Justice Court Clerk, who was fired for stealing court fines, was sentenced today to five years prohibition and full restitution of $63,636 in Chautauqua County Court, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Sharon Thompson, 56, of Bemus Point, pleaded guilty to grand larceny last June and agreed to pay full restitution. The missing money was uncovered in an audit and investigation by DiNapoli’s office.

DiNapoli: More School Districts Take Initial Steps to Exceed Tax Cap

The percentage of school districts initially planning to override New York’s property tax cap in 2016-17 has nearly doubled when compared to last year, but still remains relatively small, according to preliminary data filed with the office of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. As of March 2nd, 6 percent, or 36, of the 601 school districts that reported, indicated that they will seek an override of the tax cap. Last year, 3.5 percent, indicated plans to override the tax cap.

State Comptroller DiNapoli Statement on End of Legislative Session

"The failure to enact procurement reform was a missed opportunity to protect taxpayers’ dollars and prevent corruption. Enhancing independent oversight of state contracting, especially with regard to economic development spending, is needed to ensure accountability and transparency. I hope the Legislature will consider the clean contracting proposal when they reconvene."

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on Senate Republican Health Care Bill

"The Senate Republican health care bill calls for billions of dollars of cuts in future health care funding for New Yorkers. This bill is identical to the House proposal in its threat to eliminate health coverage for countless individuals and inflict major new costs on the state budget. It’s time for the President and the majorities in both houses of Congress to get serious about making health coverage more accessible and affordable, rather than taking giant steps backward."

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases State Audits

City University of New York (CUNY): Administration of Fellowship Leaves (Follow-Up) (2015-F-5)

An initial audit issued in October 2013, examined whether the fellowship leaves granted instructional staff were awarded for authorized purposes and in compliance with all applicable requirements. Although most of the fellowship recipients reviewed complied with CUNY policy, improvements were needed to protect taxpayer dollars and the integrity of CUNY's fellowship leave program.

DiNapoli: Problems Persist at Many Hotels and Motels Used to House Homeless

State auditors examining hotels and motels used to house the homeless found poor conditions still exist at many facilities across New York state with significant problems including mold, water damage, exposed wiring, missing smoke detectors and garbage in rooms, according to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

DiNapoli: Audits Lead to Millions of Dollars in Medicaid Savings from Drug Rebate Collections

The state collected over $160 million in drug rebates under the state's Medicaid Drug Rebate Program after correcting problems identified by auditors from the office of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, according to a pair of audits released today. Auditors also found that more than $78 million in rebates have not been submitted to drug manufacturers, but could still be collected by the state Department of Health (DOH).