William Scarborough, Wire Fraud and Theft, New York 2015

Albany, NY – Former New York State Assemblymember William Scarborough, 69, of Queens, has been caught in a web of deceit and corruption, pleading guilty to federal and state charges related to public corruption investigations.

Scarborough, who was entitled to receive payments for overnight stays and travel between his home and Albany as a New York State Assembly Member, submitted 174 fraudulent New York State Assembly Travel Vouchers to the Assembly Finance Department between January 2009 and December 2012, causing New York State to pay him $54,355 that he was not entitled to receive. In the fraudulent vouchers, Scarborough falsely certified that he had been in Albany for legislative business on specific days when he had not been in Albany at all, had been in Albany for less time than he claimed on a voucher, or had not stayed overnight.

As part of his federal plea, Scarborough admitted to wire fraud and theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, 10 years in prison on the count charging theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, and fines of up to $250,000 on each count. Scarborough also agreed to resign his position as a Member of the New York State Assembly, pay $54,355 restitution to New York State, and forfeit that amount to the United States.

Additionally, Scarborough will appear before Albany County Court Judge Stephen W. Herrick to plead guilty to a public corruption charge related to the misuse of over $40,000 from his Friends of Bill Scarborough campaign account. As part of a plea agreement, Scarborough will plead guilty to Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and is expected to be sentenced to one year of jail time, will resign his position in the State Assembly, and will donate all funds remaining in his campaign account to charity.

The investigation into Scarborough’s activities was a joint effort between the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and the State Comptroller’s Office. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.

Scarborough’s guilty pleas are a major blow to the reputation of the New York State Assembly and highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability in government.

The sentencing for Scarborough’s federal charges is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2015, at 11:30 a.m., in Albany, New York. His state sentencing is expected to take place later this afternoon.

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