Former Cohocton Town Clerk Sandra Riley pleaded guilty Steuben County Court Monday to stealing $36,000 in dog license and building permit fees after an audit and investigation by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office revealed the theft of public funds.

Riley, 51, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony, before Judge Peter Bradstreet. Riley also admitted taking tax penalty payments and other cash for six years. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2. Riley is expected to be sentenced to jail time, probation and payment of restitution in full.

The chief of the Minetto Volunteer Fire Company in Oswego County spent nearly $6,000 in public funds on personal purchases such as guns and motorcycle parts, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The audit revealed a total of $22,000 in misused funds, questionable spending and missing cash.

“Today’s sentencing of Morton Kramer, the former executive director of IncludED Educational Services, shows that those who abuse the state’s special education system will be held accountable for their actions. I thank Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance for prosecuting this case and making sure justice was done.

Legislative bill S.7352/A.09823 was signed into law on Dec. 17. The measure, proposed by the Office of State Comptroller, allows municipalities identified as experiencing fiscal stress to be reimbursed by the state Financial Restructuring Board for Local Governments for hiring external financial advisers to help with multi-year financial planning.

“More than ever, local government budgeting requires officials to take a long-term view of the impact that spending decisions have on their finances.

The former treasurer of the Le Roy Fire Department and the Le Roy Fireman's Benevolent Association pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing nearly $46,000 in public funds, much of which he spent on gambling at upstate casinos, according to audits and an investigation by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Dennis Snow, 61, pleaded guilty in Genesee County Court to grand larceny in the fourth degree and forgery in the second degree. He will be sentenced on February 13 and is expected to pay restitution for the thefts, which took place from 2007 to 2013.

AccuMED, a manufacturer located in Buffalo, has generated an estimated $9 million investment gain for the New York State Common Retirement Fund, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. The investment was made through the Fund’s In-State Private Equity Program, which is designed to make profitable investments in New York State-based companies.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today his office reviewed over 2,000 contracts valued at $2.1 billion and approved nearly 1.2 million payments worth nearly $8.9 billion in November. His office also rejected 166 contracts and related transactions valued at $348 million and more than 1,700 payments valued at more than $3.9 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties.

New York City’s revised four-year financial plan shows substantially smaller out-year gaps than projected by the city in June 2014, mostly because of higher tax revenues and lower projected pension and debt service costs, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released an audit today of the Hempstead Union Free School District that uncovered a myriad of systemic problems, including more than $453,000 in inappropriate or questionable staff payments and repeatedly excluding the public from board deliberations.

“At this special time of year when we come together to celebrate Christmas we should also reflect on the fact that we have so much to be thankful for. Stocking stuffers and gifts piled high under Christmas trees are exciting, but our health and the health and happiness of our loved ones are the ultimate gifts any of us could receive.

Let’s also remember the many individuals in our communities who are in need of a helping hand. Consider the opportunity for charity giving this holiday season to help those less fortunate.