Members Of The Not-For-Profit Were Found To Have Bilked Ulster County Taxpayers Out Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars 

Kingston, N.Y. – In an action that sends a strong message to anyone who attempts to defraud the taxpayers of Ulster County, the New York State Attorney General’s Office delivered a $12,845.27 check to Ulster County representing the collection of additional restitution related to its prosecution of the Lower Esopus Riverwatch (LERW) Corporation and its board members, more than eight years after the case was initiated.  In 2008 prior to Ulster County’s transition to its current charter form of government, then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo commenced the action at the urging of county officials after the County Auditor, Lisa Cutten who is now the Director of the County’s Accountability, Compliance and Efficiency division, identified significant fraud and abuse that resulted in the corporation’s board members siphoning taxpayer dollars for their own personal use. 

“There can be no mistake – my administration will never rest in the pursuit of justice for Ulster County’s taxpayers once an individual takes advantage of the public trust,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.  “We will be tenacious; whether it takes weeks, months or years, we will do everything that is necessary to hold those who have defrauded our hard working taxpayers accountable.  I want to again thank Governor Andrew Cuomo who commenced this case as Attorney General and current Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for continuing the zealous prosecution of those who deceived and conned the public.  I also want to especially thank Lisa Cutten who, despite tremendous pressure and adversity, stood up for justice and our taxpayers and brought to light the misuse of funds and in partnership with my administration and the Attorney General, was pivotal in holding the offenders accountable.”   

Today’s receipt of restitution funds is part of a larger judgment against Lower Esopus Riverwatch and its board members including Frederick Fritschler who served as Executive Director of the not-for-profit.  In the past the County received real estate and equipment once owned by LERW.  The judgment also permanently precludes Mr. Fritschler from having any involvement in the management of a not-for-profit entity or soliciting charitable contributions.