Locke, NY - The state inspector general referred for possible prosecution today evidence of ethics and procurement violations involving Locke resident Howard Dean, the former director of the state prison system's food production center in Oneida County. The inspector general and state comptroller's office found apparent ethical violations regarding purchases from favored vendors by Dean and his staff. Favored vendors...
Locke, NY - The state inspector general referred for possible prosecution today evidence of ethics and procurement violations involving Locke resident Howard Dean, the former director of the state prison system's food production center in Oneida County.
The inspector general and state comptroller's office found apparent ethical violations regarding purchases from favored vendors by Dean and his staff.
Favored vendors paid for dinners for Dean and his staff and were also solicited for donations for annual picnics and Christmas parties, Inspector General Joseph Fisch alleged. As a result, correctional services employees were invited to attend the parties without cost. Any extra money was used to buy bagels, gifts and other items for the correctional services staff.
In return, these favored vendors were provided millions of dollars in state business annually, most of which was obtained in violation of the state law, Fisch alleged.
The current assistant director of the Food Production Center, Kevin Bowen, informed auditors and investigators that one favored vendor was provided the potential missing ingredient essential in the production of cheese sauce that the Food Production Center wanted to utilize. None of the other vendors were provided the potential missing ingredient. As a result, the favored vendor received the state’s business.
Dean, who controlled a $55 million budget at the Food Production Center, had no effective supervision over his activities by Department of Corrections managers, Fisch alleged.
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Fisch forwarded evidence to the Oneida County District Attorney for possible criminal prosecution. They also provided their findings to the state Commission on Public Integrity.