Officer Who Served As Union’s Treasurer Accused Of Using Union Debit Card And Checks For Personal Use, Including At Gentlemen’s Clubs
TROY – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico today announced the arrest and arraignment of Rensselaer County Correctional Officer Kevin Rogers, 44, for allegedly embezzling over $3,000 from the Sheriff’s Employees Association of Rensselaer County (“SERCO”). Allegations include Rogers diverting SERCO funds by using the SERCO debit card at various restaurants and gentlemen’s clubs throughout the Capital District for non-union business. Rogers is also accused of using SERCO funds for the purchase of ringside tables at two boxing events that had no relationship to union business.
“Those who hold positions of trust must be held to the highest standards of professional conduct,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “We take allegations of misuse of funds contributed by dues-paying union members very seriously. Cases like this represent a betrayal of both the union’s members and its mission.”
"These funds were meant to support the members and the mission of the union, not to provide a union official with personal entertainment,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico. “The message here is simple: This type of behavior will not be tolerated."
A felony complaint filed today in Troy City Court charges Rogers with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree. The top charge carries a maximum state prison sentence of two-and-one-third to seven years.
Attorney General Schneiderman’s complaint alleges that the misuse of funds occurred from in or about August 2006 through in or about January 2012. In addition to serving as a correctional officer, Rogers is the former vice president and treasurer of the Sheriff’s Employees Association of Rensselaer County. The charges against Rogers are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rogers pleaded not guilty before The Honorable Christopher T. Maier and was released on recognizance. The defendant is expected to next appear in court on July 16, 2015.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Bridget Holohan Scally of the Public Integrity Bureau. The Public Integrity Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Daniel Cort and Deputy Chief Stacy Aronowitz. The Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.
The investigation was handled by OAG Investigator Mark Spencer, with the assistance of the United States Attorneys' Office for the Northern District of New York. The Investigations Division is led by Bureau Chief Dominick Zarrella.
The Attorney General’s Office thanks the New York State Police for their work on this case.