Sheriffs Office took corrective measures on employee lending

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — An investigative news report has brought to light past lending procedures of employees at the Livingston County Sheriffs Office.

According to WHAM13.com former Livingston County Undersheriff Martin D. Herkimer was fired from his job back in December of 2010 because of borrowing over $250,000 from a subordinate and failing to repay. The debt is still unpaid and the case is in court.

The County then hired an outside firm to see if there were any other violations or if the department was compromised in any other way. The certified accountant and consultant firm of Brock Schechter & Polakoff found that there were no other compromises but suggested other inventory accountability safeguards.

“The County expeditiously commissioned an internal control review from an outside accounting firm upon the former Undersheriff’s separation from employment.  We did this for the sole purpose of assessing risks and exposing any potential liabilities or malfeasance on the part of staff or contractors,” stated Ian Coyle, Livingston County Administrator. “This was conducted with Sheriff York’s full support and cooperation.”

The analysis cost the County $12,500.

“This was an isolated set of actions of a single employee and at no time were county finances compromised.” Coyle said.