BUFFALO, NY - Buffalo Public Schools audio-visual technician Noe Rodriguez, 38, of Buffalo, was submitting time cards for working full days in Buffalo at the same time he was on the clock at the Lake Shore district, 25 miles away.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's office made this discovery as it was conducting an audit of the Buffalo school district's supervision of its service repair center, an investigation which is nearing completion.
Rodriguez was arrested and pleaded guilty to scheming to defraud in the first degree, a felony, and paid $18,229 in restitution, according to an agreement with Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III. He is due back in Erie County Court for sentencing on June 11.
"At a time when our public school resources are stretched thin, Mr. Rodriguez enriched himself at our taxpayer's expense," DiNapoli said, "My office will continue to examine school finances and work with law enforcement to hold wrongdoers responsible. I thank District Attorney Sedita for prosecuting this case."
DiNapoli encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555; filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us; or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.
