District continues efforts to recover stolen funds

Legal options under consideration

March 1, 2010—Duanesburg Central School District officials remain committed to recovering nearly $500,000 in stolen funds, including the pursuit of new legal avenues and improved banking security services going forward.

The district announced the unauthorized transfer of school district funds nearly eight weeks ago after discovering approximately $3 million had been transferred by unknown persons from the district’s NBT bank account to accounts overseas. About $2.5 million has since been recovered.

The FBI and New York State Police Critical Crime and Infrastructure Unit are continuing to investigate the illegal activity. However, authorities have indicated that it may take months, if not longer, to complete the investigation.

“At this time, we are beginning to explore all other avenues, including our legal options, to recover taxpayer funds,” said Superintendent Christine Crowley.

To that end, the district is currently seeking requests for proposals from banks that can provide the district with a heightened level of security as well as from law firms with litigation experience specific to cyber crimes.

“I want to reassure our community that we remain committed to doing everything in our power to recover the stolen funds, and to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future,” said Crowley.