NYS Comptroller's Office Auditor Accused Of Stealing $400K From Town Of Wallkill: Sheriff

TOWN OF WALLKILL, NY — An official tasked with protecting the interests of taxpayers, instead embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Hudson Valley town, according to investigators.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office says that 41-year-old Tobias Otieno, of Hyde Park, was arrested after investigators say he stole more than $405,000 from the Town of Wallkill while employed by the New York State Comptroller's Office. He was charged with second-degree grand larceny as a public corruption crime.

The sheriff's office says that Otieno used his position as an auditor to transfer funds from Town of Wallkill bank accounts to his personal businesses.

A search warrant was executed at Otieno's home on Thursday by sheriff's office investigators, in collaboration with forensic auditors from the comptroller's office, officials said.

The investigation by the Orange County White Collar Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County District Attorney's Office, found no misconduct by Town of Wallkill officials.

Otieno was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in Wallkill Town Court.

"Public trust is paramount," Sheriff Paul Arteta said. "His 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."