A Buffalo City School District technician pleaded guilty today in Erie County Court after admitting he worked for a second school district at the same time before his scam was discovered by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office.

Noe Rodriguez, 38, of Buffalo, was arrested and pleaded guilty to scheming to defraud in the first degree, an E felony, and paid $18,229 in restitution, according to an agreement with Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III. He is due back in Erie County Court for sentencing on June 11.

“At a time when our public school resources are stretched thin, Mr. Rodriguez enriched himself at our taxpayer’s expense,” DiNapoli said, “My office will continue to examine school finances and work with law enforcement to hold wrongdoers responsible. I thank District Attorney Sedita for prosecuting this case.”

DiNapoli’s auditors and investigators found that Rodriguez, an audio visual equipment technician, submitted time records for working full days at the Buffalo district while also clocked in at the Lake Shore school district 25 miles away.

The Comptroller's office uncovered the scheme during an audit of the Buffalo City School District’s supervision of its service repair center, which is nearing completion.

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.