Former Albany County employee admits to $122K government theft

John T. Cox, 61, from Schenectady, New York, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and stealing over $122,000 from a federally funded government agency. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and officials from the FBI and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.

While working as a Budget Analyst at the Albany County Sheriff’s Office from June 2017 to February 2023, Cox admitted to issuing 16 fraudulent checks totaling $122,251.25. He used these checks for personal gain, including paying himself and reducing his credit line. Cox attempted to conceal his actions by altering records, falsely indicating that the funds were used for legitimate expenses like vehicle and equipment purchases.

Scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2024, Cox faces up to 20 years for mail fraud and 10 years for federal program theft. He has agreed to pay restitution and a forfeiture money judgment totaling over $122,000.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI, DOJ OIG, ACSO, and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal prosecuting the case.