Suspended Syracuse parks commissioner, Lazarus Sims, has been charged with third degree grand larceny after taking property valued over $3,000 from the city.
Sims was placed on administrative leave March 26, after an audit from City Auditor Marty Masterpole showed some financial discrepancies. The investigation was then handed over to the DA's office.
Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens has been managing the department since Sim's suspension.
Sims began serving as Parks and Recreations commissioner during Stephanie Miner's administration.
Mayor Ben Walsh released a brief statement saying...
"I’m saddened for the City and for Commissioner Sims. Lazarus has done a lot of good for Syracuse and, in particular, for young people in the city. We will review the charges while we work with legal counsel to determine the appropriate next step in light of this development."