Larkin: “sad and reprehensible …”
NEW WINDSOR – State Senator William Larkin (R, Cornwall-on-Hudson)
Thursday said it is “sad and reprehensible that some people would
attempt to make political gains from the victim of crime.” (Senator’s
full statement here.)
This was the first comment from the long-time lawmaker about money missing
from his campaign fund. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office
is investigating the case as a special prosecutor since there could be
a conflict of interest in the Orange County DA’s Office.
Ulster DA Holley Carnright has confirmed he is looking into allegations that former political operative Carmen Dubaldi of New Windsor took campaign funds he managed for Larkin as well as other politicians, who reportedly include former Orange County Executive Edward Diana, Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt and County Legislature Chairman Stephen Brescia.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Larkin said he first noticed the irregularities
in his campaign account, “including funds leaving the committee
for transactions that were never made.”
As a result, he “immediately and decisively” took steps to address the issue including terminating the treasurer – Dubaldi – as well as contacting law enforcement and the state Board of Elections.
He shut down the existing committee and opened a new one with the new committee filing campaign finance disclosure reports in a timely manner.
The senator said the initial committee’s file has been placed on administrative hold, per the Board of Elections.
He also hired an accounting firm, which performed a thorough forensic audit the result of which were given to the appropriate authorities.
