Bad Books in Boonville: Man charged with embezzling from library out on bail
Story Created:
Jul 31, 2009 at 5:49 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jul 31, 2009 at 6:09 PM EDT
BOONVILLE, N.Y. (WKTV) - A former library board treasurer charged with stealing over $280,000 is out of jail on $50,000 bond. Oneida County authorities believe Lawrence Recor, embezzled $280,586, over the course of three years from the Erwin library in Boonville.
Police say most of the money the 64 year-old allegedly stole, was given to the library in the form of a gift.
Oneida County Assistant District Attorney Bernard Hyman says the board of directors at the library suspected Recor was stealing money, and let him go. A nine-month investigation ensued before he was arrested, Hyman said.
Assistant D.A. Hyman says "white collar" crimes like this one happen all the time and people just don't realize it.
"Because we don't expect the small library to have that kind of money, it easy for them to be targeted," Hyman said. "That happens with a lot of not-for-profit groups and you're seeing that. Business groups, not-for profit groups - especially in this area, where the smaller the organization, the more likely they are to be victimized, believe it or not."
Recor faces 5 to 15 years in prison if he is convicted, with restitution on top of that.
The D.A.'s office says no money has been recovered yet, so if he is found guilty, the library may be out of luck.
"Generally, in these white collar cases, sometimes the funds just are not payed back," Hyman said. "We will do everything in our power to recoup the money for the library."
Authorities say Recor served as the library treasurer for for 23 years. He recently waived his right to a felony hearing, meaning this case will quickly go to a grand jury.
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