The arrest of Utica City School District Superintendent, Bruce Karam, and former Utica Mayor, Louis LaPolla, has been announced by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, and the New York State Police. The charges against them involve the purported use of taxpayer funds for political campaigns and a fundraiser unrelated to the school.
Superintendent Bruce Karam and former Utica Mayor Louis LaPolla have recently been taken into custody for reportedly misusing taxpayer money for their personal and political interests. This breach of public trust was discovered through the joint efforts of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, District Attorney Scott McNamara, and the New York State Police, leading to their arrest. The Utica City School District (UCSD) is currently facing severe scrutiny due to this scandal.
“The act of high-ranking school officials diverting funds that were meant to support the education and well-being of students is a shocking betrayal of the public’s trust,” stated DiNapoli. “Rather than fulfilling their duty to assist the district’s students, the two defendants in question opted to prioritize their own interests. With the aid of District Attorney McNamara and the State Police, we can ensure that they are held accountable for their offenses.”
The case of public corruption has been investigated through a collaborative effort, which was acknowledged by District Attorney McNamara with gratitude. Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento of the New York State Police stated that the funds intended for the Utica City School District students were deliberately stolen by the involved individuals for their personal gain. Thanks to the strong collaboration among law enforcement, the fraud was exposed. Chiumento expressed his appreciation for the partnership of the Comptroller’s office and Oneida County District Attorney’s Office in making these arrests. He also added that the State Police will continue to hold accountable those whose actions harm the community and the well-being of children.
Upon investigation, it was found that Superintendent Karam had allegedly misused school funds and resources to support school board candidates who were in favor of him. These candidates played a crucial role in determining Karam’s contract, salary, and authority within the district. Moreover, Karam is accused of promoting a non-school related fundraiser for a charity supposedly run by LaPolla, using school resources. Surprisingly, school district employees were found to have inserted fundraiser fliers into envelopes paid for by the district and mailed using district stamps during school hours.
According to reports, Karam coerced school district employees into providing false information about the legitimate purpose of the resources, in an attempt to cover up his actions. The misused taxpayer funds amount to a total of $14,649, which includes $9,775 in stamps, $1,015 in supplies, and $3,859 in compensation for work hours.
UCSD’s former Superintendent, Karam, who served from 2011 until being placed on leave on October 18, 2022, is still on leave. Karam and LaPolla are both facing charges of Grand Larceny in the 4th degree and Public Corruption. Karam, on top of those charges, is also facing Corruption of the Government in the 3rd degree. The arraignment occurred in Oneida County Court and was overseen by Judge Michael L. Dwyer. The next court date is scheduled for December 1, 2023.
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