[Updated below]
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — According to numerous sources, an investigation is under way within the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department focusing on alleged fraudulent time-card practices.
A number of sources, all of whom spoke only on condition of anonymity, indicate that the investigation was triggered by a letter from a disgruntled female deputy, sent to the Livingston County Administrator, Ian Coyle. The letter describes a complicated, years-long scheme involving numerous full-time and part-time members of the Sheriff’s Department, with widespread falsification of time-card paperwork and extensive overpayments.
Under the alleged scheme, instead of coming in to work a scheduled shift, full-time deputies would have part-time deputies work their shifts. The time-card paperwork, however, was completed under the name and at the pay rate of the full-time deputies, who signed the paperwork later. The result is that full-time deputies were paid at the full-time rate for time they did not work. They, in turn, paid the part-time deputies in cash, apparently at the lower pay rate, and pocketed the difference.
The GeneseeSun.com sought comment from the County Administrator, Ian Coyle, whose office stated that Mr. Coyle was unavailable.
The GeneseeSun.com also asked Sheriff York to verify if there was an ongoing investigation. York politely refused to comment, and said he would not discuss internal personnel matters.
At this point, sources say the investigation is internal. The question of whether the Sheriff’s Department can investigate itself, in a matter that allegedly involves numerous senior full-time deputies, is unclear. The matter could conceivably go to the New York State Police and/or the New York State Attorney General’s office.
UPDATE, 12/14/2012, 1:00 p.m.: County Administrator Ian Coyle confirmed today, “I do have an ongoing confidential investigation, and we are pressing it vigorously.” He made no further comment.
UPDATE, 12/14/12: .7:00 p.m. Sheriff York has confirmed with 13Wham.com reporter Sean Carroll that there is an investigation taking place involving those that work at the jail and allegations of inapropriate time card practices.