Investigations

On October 3, 2018, Jerome Lauzon, a former Professional Engineer 1 for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), was indicted by a Federal grand jury in Albany, New York, on one count of theft concerning programs receiving Federal funds. The charge is related to the federally funded NYSDOT highway rehabilitation project known as the Route 4 Road Reconstruction Project.

 

The indictment alleges that Lauzon used his position as the engineer-in-charge on the Route 4 Road Reconstruction Project in Washington County, New York, to obtain nearly $20,000 worth of equipment and services from a contractor for his personal use. The equipment and services were ultimately paid for with project funds. Specifically, Lauzon is alleged to have obtained a snow blower, lawnmower, car repairs, laptops, home entertainment system, and computer equipment, among other items, by using the credit card of the company contracted to work on the project. Lauzon allegedly falsified entries in NYSDOT’s books and records, entering the expenses as other, seemingly legitimate, costs associated with the project.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with NYS-OIG.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.