Inspector General Finds Falsified Voucher Covered Grant Abuse

ALBANY, NY (09/02/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Inspector General's Office and New York State Police yesterday arrested Paul Lilac, former Executive Director of the Stillwater Area Community Services Center, after he admitted falsifying expenses on a $2,820 voucher filed with the New York Department of State (DOS) in support of a legislative appropriation.

In a report released today, Inspector General Joseph Fisch determined that Lilac, 68, of Stillwater, submitted the fraudulent voucher for expenditures covered by a 2009 Senate appropriation to cover a $35,000 kitchen upgrade at the Center. DOS manages the disbursement of the grants, known as "member items."

Lilac, who resigned from the Center in April, testified that he used the final $2,820 on unauthorized Center expenses, rather than the kitchen. As executive director, Lilac was required by state contract to properly document the use of the money. He was charged with Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony.

Lilac was issued a desk appearance ticket for arraignment on September 22nd in front of Stillwater Town Justice Ralph Peluso.

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