ROME -- A retired Rome city police officer is accused of illegally collecting tens of thousands of dollars in pension money over 9 years.
Thomas Hubal, former Director of Security for the Rome City School District, was indicted this week for collecting more than $88,000 from the New York State and Local Retirement System. He was arraigned in Oneida County Court today and charged with second-degree grand larceny and defrauding the government, both felonies.
"Local governments across the state are struggling to make ends meet," said State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. "Taxpayers can't afford this kind of abuse. This kind of 'double-dipping' drives up costs for municipalities and taxpayers. Local governments have to increase their vigilance to help prevent pension abuse. I am going to seek full restitution for the payments made to Hubal and request he is punished to the full extent of the law."
Investigators say Hubal was working for the Rome School District without having obtained a waiver from the state Civil Service Commission, as required by state law, and without notifying the Comptroller's Office that he would be returning to public employment.
According to the New York State Retirement and Social Security Law, a public pension retiree may temporarily return to work for a public entity without a reduction in existing retirement benefits, but only if the retiree satisfies specific legal requirements to do so. DiNapoli says Hubal did not follow the law.
"My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting these types of fraudulent acts being perpetrated against the taxpayers of Oneida County and New York State," said District Attorney Scott McNamara. "I would like to thank the current Rome City School District Administration for their cooperation in this matter."
DiNapoli launched the investigation when his office was tipped-off to Hubal's alleged improper and illegal post-retirement employment. Investigators found evidence to suggest that others in the district tried to help Hubal illegally "double-dip."
Investigators also say they found evidence that suggests district leaders allowed Hubal to collect funds for travel and other expenses without the required documentation to support such expenses. From January 2001 through March 2009, investigators say, Hubal received more than $20,000 for these expenses.
