The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Tobias Otieno, 41, of Hyde Park, for allegedly stealing more than $405,000 from the Town of Wallkill while employed by the New York State Comptroller’s Office. Otieno is charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree as a Public Corruption Crime.
Otieno used his position as an auditor to transfer funds from Town bank accounts to his personal businesses. A search warrant was executed at his residence on July 10 by Sheriff’s Office investigators, in collaboration with forensic auditors from the Comptroller’s Office.
The investigation, conducted by the Orange County White Collar Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, revealed no misconduct by Town of Wallkill officials. Due to current bail reform laws, Otieno was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in Wallkill Town Court.
Sheriff Paul Arteta stated, “Public trust is paramount. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and holding accountable those who betray that trust. I’m proud of the swift and thorough work of our investigators and Task Force members.”
NOTE: A criminal charge is an allegation and not proof of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
