AG, Comptroller Announce Indictments in Monroe County Bid-Rigging Scheme (Updated)

Earlier today, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the indictment and arrest of two former Monroe County public officials and two business executives.  They are accused of colluding to steer the process for awarding Monroe County contracts, funneling money to preferred vendors through Local Development Corporations.  They are accused of creating fake contracts, inflating subcontracts, and submitting false invoices.

The proceeds – approximately $2 million – was used by these individuals for their personal benefit, including a luxury tent at Senior PGA golf tournament and payments to political campaign accounts.

One of the men indicted is Robert Wiesner, a retired Rochester police captain who is married to Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks.

Read the indictment here.

Update:  Mr. Weisner is claiming that this is a political prosecution intended to embarrass his wife.  The Attorney General’s office sent out an e-mail to reporters tipping them off about “the arrest of four well-recognized individuals” in connection with the LDC investigation.  Schneiderman’s office denied any political motivation to the indictments, suspended the press aide who tipped off reporters, and promised never to do it again.