Former Director Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. will be subject of a criminal probe.
The sun rises over the midway at the New York State Fair Monday.Albany, NY -- Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has launched an investigation into the state fair, including a criminal probe of former state fair Director Peter Cappuccilli, Jr.
A recent inspector general’s report alleges Cappuccilli squandered about $860,000 in state funds, including $78,000 for his own personal use. The inspector general said Cappuccilli used state funds for lavish parties, holiday cards and his daughter’s wedding.
Cuomo is also interested in the inspector general’s finding that there were $829,000 in payroll hires of friends and relatives and a charge of falsifying records.
Cuomo issued subpoenas Tuesday to five contractors and related entities and asked for documents from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, which oversees the fair, and the New York State Police.
Subpoenas went to the Carolina Hurricanes; Catering with a Flair; Clear Channel Radio; Latorra, Paul and McCann Advertising and Progressive Expert Consulting.
Cuomo said the state fair has long been plagued by allegations that it has become a patronage playground for friends, relatives and cronies of the fair’s directors and managers. The investigation will assess the integrity of ticketing, contracting, hiring and other management and financial practices involving the fair, he said.
“The state fair is a celebration of our shared heritage and culture that is critical to the Upstate economy and enjoyed by people across the state,” Cuomo said in a press release. “The fair is a source of pride for all New Yorkers and we must protect it. Our actions are aimed at ending systemic problems that have created a culture of patronage and cronyism at the expense of taxpayers.”
The Department of Agriculture and Markets intends to cooperate with the investigation, Commissioner Patrick Hooker said. Hooker said he and current state fair Director Dan O’Hara have taken actions to eliminate cronyism and waste at the fair.
Cappuccilli declined comment.