Westchester schools added to probe of double-dipping
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- February
- 28
State and federal officials have been investigating cases out in Long Island where attorneys were allegedly collecting state pensions while simultaneously being paid by their firms.
Now the probe has made its way into Westchester County, with New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo yesterday requesting records from all 48 school districts in the county.
Click here for the letter sent to the school districts.
“The Attorney General has made public integrity a priority of his office and we will take a close look at any schemes that have the potential for double-dipping or self-dealing, especially when it involves public funds,” said spokesman John Milgrim.
“At the same time, we understand that inappropriate practices are often not isolated to any single part of the state. We are committed to uncovering the full scope of these problems and finding a solution that puts an end to them,” he added.
Also, Newsday today reports that FBI agents and federal prosecutors yesterday subpoenaed the records of Ingerman Smith, a Hauppauge law firm, and spent the day at the firm questioning partners about their knowledge of the possible double-dipping scheme.
The investigations began after Newsday reported that a former partner at Ingerman Smith, Lawrence Reich, was collecting a state pension of $61,000 after being credited with working full-time by five school districts while simultaneously being a partner at Ingerman Smith.
Bronxville, Bedford Central, Dobbs Ferry, Harrison, Katonah-Lewisboro, Mamaroneck and Pocantico Hills are among the Westchester schools represented by Ingerman Smith, according to the firm’s Web site. Click here for the full list of schools.
Continue to check back for updates on this story.























