State Comptroller Announces New Investigations Division

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today that he is creating a new Division of Investigations within the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). According to the Comptroller, the new office is intended to expand upon an existing anti-corruption initiative that resulted in 30 arrests and the recovery of $3 million in 2013.

The new division will be led by Deputy Comptroller and Counsel for Investigations Nelson Sheingold. Mr. Sheingold previously served as the Comptroller’s legal counsel for investigations. Before joining the Comptroller’s office in 2011, he served as chief counsel to the state Inspector General, as an assistant attorney general in the state Attorney General’s office and as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.

Comptroller DiNapoli said:

“Time after time my auditors and investigators have uncovered fraud by government officials, employees and vendors. This new division will boost our scrutiny and strengthen the oversight of public funds. Nelson Sheingold’s dogged pursuit of those who line their pockets at taxpayers’ expense makes him the perfect choice to head this division. We will continue to expose those who abuse their public duty and rip off taxpayer dollars.”

The new OSC enforcement unit was first reported in the Daily News.