LOCKPORT, N.Y. — The Town of Pendleton Highway Superindent is facing charges for allegedly using town equipment for his personal use.
Jeffrey R. Stowell, 59, is charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, three counts of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, and one count of official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.
If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
However, attorney Paul Cambria said more often than not, these types of cases typically have a different outcome.
"We've never seen anybody actually go to jail unless it was really large scale and those usually involve things like no shows or it involves large amounts of money," he said.
Investigators say Stowell allegedly used Town of Pendleton-owned equipment and materials for work at his residence. They also say he allegedly used town employees to perform the work at this home and on personal vehicles.
Cambria said these allegations aren't as uncommon as you might think.
"Unfortunately this isn't a unique situation or at least unique allegations. We've had a bunch of people in the past in various towns and cities who've been accused of the same kind of conduct," said Cambria, adding, "Every couple years or so we see one of these cases."
We reached out to the town for comment and stopped by the town hall to get more information but no one was willing to talk to us at this time.
Stowell was arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court and was released on his own recognizance. His next court date is January 14, 2020.
