Utica, N.Y. - The long-time superintendent of the Utica City School District Bruce Karam, and former Utica Mayor and School Board President Louis LaPolla have been arrested for allegedly using taxpayer funds to pay for political campaigns and a non-school related fundraiser.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, along with Oneida County DA and the State Police said today the two allegedly used nearly 15 thousand dollars of taxpayers money.
DiNapoli said The diversion of funds meant to support the education and well-being of students by high-ranking school officials is an appalling betrayal of the public trust.
The Utica School district released a statement regarding the indictment of Karam and LaPolla
This morning, Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce Karam, who was placed on administrative leave in October 2022, was indicted by the New York State District Attorney on five counts, including Corruption of Government in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Public Corruption, as well as shared counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Public Corruption with former Utica City School District Board of Education President Louis LaPolla.
Utica City School District officials and staff have and will continue to cooperate with the District Attorney’s investigation. As we analyze the charges and their implications for UCSD, we will provide a more detailed statement to our community at a special Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 4:00 p.m