Christmas came a week early for Ulster County as the New York State Attorney General’s Office delivered a check for $12,845.27 representing the collection of additional restitution from its prosecution of the Lower Esopus Riverwatch Corporation and its board members. Hudson Valley Correspondent Hank Gross reports...
The case was initiated eight years ago when it was discovered that the corporation’s board, including Frederick Fritschler, the executive director of the not-for-profit, were using taxpayer dollars for their own personal use.
In the past, the county received real estate and equipment once owned by LERW. The judgment also permanently prevented Fritschler from having any involvement in the management of a not-for-profit entity or soliciting charitable contributions.
County Executive Michael Hein credited Lisa Cutten, at the time of the investigation county auditor, and now county director of accountability, compliance and efficiency, who caught the fraud and abuse and brought it to the attention of Albany. “My administration will never rest in the pursuit of justice for Ulster County’s taxpayers once an individual takes advantage of the public trust,” Hein said.
