A state Department of Transportation engineer from Saratoga County stole nearly $10,000 in equipment and services from a state road project, the state Inspector General’s Office said Tuesday.
Jerome Lauzon, 42, of Gansevoort, allegedly received a laptop computer, a snow blower, other equipment and even car repairs, all charged to a state road project, according to the inspector general. Lauzon faces one count each of third-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records, felonies, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor.
Lauzon was arraigned in Albany City Court and released to return to court later.
Lauzon served as the engineer in charge of a 2012 highway rehabilitation project in Washington County. His official title was professional engineer 1.
Lauzon allegedly had the construction company on the project give him the equipment and services for his own personal use. The company then received reimbursement from the state as though the items were part of the project, officials said.
The inspector general’s investigation found the thefts occurred between late 2012 and summer 2014. Among the other items Lauzon is accused of accepting: a lawn mower, pressure washer and a paint sprayer.
Lauzon also is accused of falsifying records to make it appear as though all of the purchases were legitimate costs associated with the project.
All the items, however, were delivered to Lauzon or remained at his home. None were used on the project, officials said.
The state Department of Transportation and state police assisted in the investigation. The Albany County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
Categories: -News-, Schenectady County
