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.

"For years, Snow abused his position to divert public funds for his own use and forged records to cover his crimes," DiNapoli said. "I thank Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman and the Le Roy Police Department for working with my staff to bring this person to justice."

Assistant District Attorney Kevin T. Finnell said: “I would like to thank the office of the Comptroller and the LeRoy Police Department and their investigators for their hard work in this case."

DiNapoli's investigation found that Snow was actively gambling during this time and that he used funds from department and association accounts to cover his personal bills and debts. DiNapoli has recommended that department and association officials strengthen their fiscal oversight.

DiNapoli encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

For a copy of the final audit reports, visit:
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/firedists/2014/leroy.pdf
http://osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/firedists/2014/leroybenevolent.pdf