Former Ontario Water Superintendent Rodney Peets was arraigned in Wayne County today on charges of offering a false instrument for filing, tampering with a public record and official misconduct after a year-long investigation by the State Comptroller’s Office, the New York State Police, and Acting Wayne County District Attorney Christopher Bokelman, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. 

Peets, 59, allegedly failed to take care of leaks in the town’s water system and then falsified reports to the town to cover up the loss of water. Peets is scheduled back in court on October 19. 

Peets’ actions were exposed after the town Supervisor notified the Comptroller and law enforcement of the potential issue. The Comptroller then partnered with the State Police and District Attorney to fully expose Peets’ alleged crime.”

"Mr. Peets allegedly failed to correct the water system issue and falsified records to conceal his negligence," DiNapoli said. "Taxpayers have a right to expect accountability and transparency in government. I thank the State Police and Acting District Attorney Bokelman for their efforts to fight public corruption." 

To date, DiNapoli’s audits and investigations have led to over 150 arrests and the ordered restitutions of over $50 million in public funds. 

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236. Review prior cases at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/investigations.