DOT Technician Arrested on Grand Larceny

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ALBANY, NY (03/02/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State Inspector General Joseph Fisch announced the arrest of Department of Transportation (DOT) Senior Engineering Technician Patrick T. Morris after he allegedly ran up more than $8,300 in personal charges on his state-issued credit card.

Morris, 48, of Ilion, Herkimer County, was charged Friday with third-degree grand larceny and defrauding the government, both felonies, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor, after he allegedly launched a spending spree using a credit card assigned to him by DOT for travel expenses. Morris' purchases were revealed after DOT discovered unsupported purchases and the state Comptroller's office noticed nearly $2,000 in improper purchases at a Walgreens drug store near Morris' home. Morris spent the money on $50 and $100 cash cards and prescription drugs, according to investigators.

Once notified, DOT referred the case to the Inspector General. Morris' credit card is assigned for his travel to inspect construction projects.

Morris was arrested by investigators from the New York State Inspector General's office and the Utica Police Department. He was arraigned in Utica City Court and sent to Oneida County jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

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