Attorney Michael Varble Speaks Out Against Town of Beekman Comptroller, Fraud Scandal

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The small, rural town of Beekman—with a population of roughly 15,000 people—was recently thrust into the spotlight when news came to light of fraud involving public funds. According to authorities, City Comptroller Fred Knapp was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny for allegedly stealing close to $400,000 from the city's checking account. Knapp pled not guilty on May 23 after being charged with second-degree larceny. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in state prison.

Authorities began investigating Knapp after newly appointed financial officers noticed irregular and difficult to follow bookkeeping records dating back several years. It was also discovered that American Express had been paid nearly $400,000, despite the fact that the Town of Beekman had never done business with the company.

According to investigators, Knapp had allegedly been processing checks to American Express using Beekman's checking account. From February 2011 to November 2013, he wrote numerous checks totaling approximately $390,000. The checks were being used to pay expenses on a credit card used by Knapp, his wife, and his daughter.

According to Attorney Michael Varble—Town Attorney for Beekman—Knapp was able to avoid detection by the town board because the checks were under $10,000 and only required Knapp's signature. Varble also added that Knapp was able to manipulate invoices and billing cycles so that the board wouldn't catch on to the scheme.

Attorney Varble, who as an experienced personal injury lawyer has helped numerous victims and families recover their losses after tragedy, has stated that he intends to file a civil lawsuit against Knapp on behalf of Beekman. He plans to go after bond insurance and Knapp's assets to recover money he was accused of stealing. As Knapp awaits his fate in the criminal court system, Attorney Varble and other Beekman officials will be working toward recovering public funds through the civil justice system.

Attorney Michael Varble is a Partner at Klein Varble & Associates, P.C.—a full-service Poughkeepsie law firm that serves Hudson Valley residents in the areas of criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and bankruptcy. In addition to his work with the firm, Attorney Varble also serves as Town Attorney for the Town of Beekman.

Klein Varble & Associates, P.C.
40 Garden Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
888-900-6204
http://www.kvatoughlaw.com

SOURCE Klein Varble & Associates, P.C.