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

Former Head of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Funds; Son and Daughter-in-Law Also Convicted

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Stephanie W. Cowart, 58, of Grand Island, NY, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Approved State Contracts and Payments

In October, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,722 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $1.39 billion and approved nearly 1.9 million payments worth more than $8.8 billion.