Two men are facing charges after an 11-month investigation uncovered alleged misconduct at the Town of Herkimer Highway Department.
State police arrested Kenneth M. Ward, 44, and Michael N. Walz, 34, both of Herkimer, on November 12. Each is charged with one count of official misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor.
Investigators say the case started after the Herkimer Town Board and the county district attorney were alerted to a possible larceny. The probe revealed that town-owned materials — including scrap from old water meters and cleanup-day drop-offs — were allegedly sold by department employees for cash.
The materials were primarily scrapped at Mohawk Valley Recycling, and the money was reportedly kept in a box and used for non-town expenses. Police weren’t able to determine how much was taken.
Ward and Walz were processed and released with appearance tickets. They’re due in Herkimer Town Court on December 9 at 6 p.m.
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