Police have arrested a 61-year-old Cortlandt man in connection with the embezzlement of more than $17,000 from the Putnam County Fish and Game Association, officials say.
According to reports from the released Friday, Peter J. Martin, the club's former treasurer, is facing a felony charge of third-degree grand larceny. Officials arrested him after he reportedly surrendered to authorities at the Sheriff's Philipstown post.
Police say club officials approached police with allegations that, nine days after he took office, Martin had issued a $4,000 check from the organization to himself. According to authorities, members also reported that Martin possessed an unauthorized debit card linked to the group's bank account.
Investigator Stephen Tricinelli of the agency's Bureau of Criminal Investigation took the lead on the case.
"Over a two-month period, Mr. Martin allegedly used the debit card to pay for
personal items," the report states. "He is accused of taking money from the club’s account to purchase items to [sic] include computer equipment, a portable generator, a black powder handgun, groceries and gasoline. It is estimated that the value of the purchases exceeded $13,000."
Martin was arraigned before Kent Town Justice Kevin Douchkoff on behalf of the Carmel Justice Court. He was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond, pending a future court appearance. Police say they are continuing their investigation.
The Putnam County Fish and Game Association is a private, non-profit organization located on Drewville Road in Carmel. A person who answered the phone at the Association's range on Monday afternoon told Patch that no one was available for comment.
