IG: Hudson Valley Aid For Disabled Billed State For Over $4,000 in Unearned Salary
A Hudson Valley man is accused of stealing over $4,000 from New York State in a hotel stay, meals and more.
On Tuesday, 29-year-old Luke O. Gaga of Wappingers Falls was charged with grand larceny, offering a false instrument for filing, felonies, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor.
An investigation by Inspector General’s office found that Gaga, a direct support assistant with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in Dutchess County, allegedly used his government issued credit card to steal $4,069 in unearned salary and personal expenses.
Expenses included an extended stay in an Adirondack hotel and restaurant meals while not working, officials say.
Gaga is also accused of submitting a false mileage report to be reimbursed for more than 2,200 miles on a rental car that was already paid for by the State.
“The charges allege that this defendant enjoyed an improper taxpayer-subsidized retreat in the Adirondacks,” Inspector General Leahy Scott said. “His inappropriate and brazen use of taxpayer resources to subsidize his own personal rest and recreation was a brazen violation of the public trust.”
Gaga was arraigned in the City of Albany Court and released pending further court action.
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