Ed Walsh, L.I. Political Leader And Law Enforcement Official, Charged With Fraud
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island political leader and law enforcement official was arraigned on felony fraud charges Wednesday.
The attorney for Suffolk County Sheriff Lt. Ed Walsh said his client did nothing improper and the charges against him are the result of a political disagreement with his boss, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
Ed Walsh Expected To Surrender To Face Felony Fraud Charges
Walsh, who is also the head of Suffolk's Conservative Party, is accused of fraudulently collecting as much as $100,000 from the county for hours he didn't work.
Instead it's alleged he used that time for political functions and meetings with high-powered business associates like Gary Melius, owner of Long Island's Oheka Castle, Newsday reported.
But Walsh's attorney said the allegations are not true.
"The government is wrong in their allegations that he didn't work the overtime. He denies this vigorously," he said.
A federal judge released Walsh on $50,000 bond pending his next appearance in court in March.
If convicted, Walsh could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Walsh investigation is believed to be part of a wider probe into possible political corruption in Suffolk County.
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