By Jeanne Sager
LIBERTY — November 7, 2006 — William Domarew’s taste for beer and cigarettes got expensive.
Det. Don Starner of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department said the 54-year-old was funding his vices with a company credit card – and it wasn’t his company.
The former bookkeeper for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty was arraigned Sunday on felony charges for grand larceny in the third degree and falsification of business records in the first degree.
Terminated in July by the Liberty extension office, Domarew’s alleged crimes were uncovered in September when the Sheriff’s Department launched its investigation.
The Grahamsville man allegedly stole more than $3,000, and Starner said he expects the amount to increase as the investigation continues.
He covered his tracks by paying the bills, Starner said prompting the second charge of “falsification.”
The alleged larceny came on the heels of news that the extension might be losing funding with the county’s own financial woes forcing budget cuts.
“It is unfortunate that someone would take advantage of their position of trust in a community based organization like the Cornell Cooperative Extension,” said Sheriff Michael Schiff. “The Sheriff’s office will continue to take a strong stance against any group or individual attempting to defraud any government or not-for-profit agency in this county.”
Arraigned in front of Town of Thompson Justice Perry Meltzer, Domarew was released on $5,000 secured bond to appear in Town of Liberty Court Thursday afternoon.