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KINGSTON – Former Ulster County Treasurer Burton Galnick Jr. was sentenced Friday to two years in prison following his Oct. 10, 2023 guilty plea for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from local non-citizens. Not just for-profit funds, but also funds from countywide campaign accounts.
After a lengthy investigation by New York State Police, Galnick was arrested in June 2023 and charged with a felony related to money stolen from the Hurley Recreation Association. This nonprofit organization offers summer activities and programs for children and families. Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Neji said Harley Rec suffered losses of more than $97,000 and disrupted children’s programs and activities during the 2023 summer season.
During the investigation, investigators determined that Galnick also stole thousands of dollars from former Ulster County Executive Michael Hine’s campaign bank account. “Grunic abused his position of trust and stole money from both victims for personal use over an extended period of time,” Nnezi said, adding, “He committed suicide in both cases to conceal his criminal activity. He manipulated accounting records.”
At sentencing, prosecutor Nnezi said of Gurnick’s actions, “Especially given the public’s trust in him, it is important to note that he did not take things away from children, especially at a time when children were emerging from extended confinement due to the pandemic. It’s the most unfortunate thing, considering that it was stolen.” ” In his sentencing, it was revealed that Galnik had stated that he committed the thefts because he “wanted everything for my children, but I couldn’t say no to them.”
District Attorney Nunej requested that Grunick pay $35,000 in restitution to Harley Reck and $15,000 to the Hayne Campaign before sentencing. He did it. He was also required to waive his right to appeal and sign a confession of judgment against two insurance companies that paid out approximately $62,000 to Harley Wreck after the theft was discovered.
Judge Young pointed to an impact statement submitted by Harley Rec president Rich Muge, in which he said Grunick was stealing money while at the same time urging volunteer directors and others to do more fundraising. The court decided to impose a two-year prison term, pointing out that he had revealed that he had given instructions.
DA Nneji said on the record that the plea and sentence only related to crimes against Harley Wreck and the Mike Hayne Associates campaign. They do not in any way affect other matters being investigated by the New York City Comptroller’s Office or the Ulster County Comptroller regarding Mr. Galnick’s duties as Ulster County Treasurer and his handling of the county’s accounts and assets.
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