A former Jefferson Central School superintendent pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in Schoharie County Court on Wednesday.
Edward Roche pleaded guilty to one count of official misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, said Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket. At sentencing, tentatively scheduled for March 14, Roche will make restitution of $88,502 and agree to surrender his retiree health benefits, Sacket said. Roche will be sentenced to probation not to exceed three years.
Roche retired as Jefferson superintendent in August 2005. The next month, the Jefferson Board of Education discovered contract irregularities pertaining to Roche. It reported the matter to the state Attorney General's Office, which referred the matter to the Office of the State Comptroller. Its audit was issued July 25, 2007. It identified unauthorized payments to Roche totaling $88,502 and other "questionable payments" totaling $18,687. The matter was then referred to the county district attorney.
In a prepared statement, Roche said he took full responsibility for the decisions and actions he had taken during the 21 years he had served the district.
"The last three years have been emotionally draining for my family in regards to presumptive judgements," he said. Resolving "the contract dispute" by pleading guilty to the misdemeanor charge will allow his family to "regain their privacy," he said.
He wished Superintendent Carl Mummenthey and the Board of Education well and said he was thankful for the cooperation of the district attorney in resolving the issue.
The plea was the best disposition that could be arrived at, Sacket said, as just returning the funds would not have been enough.
"There had to be some punishment," he said.
Giving up the health benefits was a "considerable penalty" that would not have been available if the case had gone to trial, Sacket said.
"We're pleased to have this matter resolved," Mummenthey said. "From day one, the Board of Education has pursued a fair resolution that would make the district whole again and serve the interests of the district's taxpayers."
Mark Boshnack can be reached at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 218, or at mboshnack@thedailystar.com.
