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An investigation into a sexual allegation involving a former Robutrad worker and a female county employee may have lead to the uncovering of the theft of thousands of dollars by the Robutrad group.
During the third day of testimony in the trial of former Deputy County Executive James Smith, a whistle blower told jurors the allegations of sexual relations between a trade worker from the now-defunct Robutrad group and a female county employee, whose name was not released, sickened him so much he blew the whistle on the worker by informing a county supervisor.
Several key witnesses testified on Wednesday that they first learned of alleged misconduct by Robutrad workers upon being informed of the sexual allegations.
Steve Mathis, a construction worker for Monroe County, told jurors that when he learned of the relationship he informed Pieter Smeenk, a building and maintenance supervisor. Mathis frequently performed jobs with Robutrad workers but was employed by the county. That eventually put in motion an investigation uncovering the Robutrad scandal.
On June 10, 2008, Mathis informed Smeenk about the sexual relationship after listening to a Robutrad worker brag about frequent sexual interaction with a female county employee, Mathis said. Mathis believed the woman was mentally disabled.
“It’s extremely disgusting,” said Mathis during testimony. “I wanted to put his lights out.”
Mathis also told Smeenk that Robert Morone, the former county liaison for Robutrad, had turned the group into a political work horse, a statement he previously feared might cost him his job or even his life, Mathis said.
Mathis told jurors Morone had shown him and other workers a gun several times and threatened their lives. He also said Morone was “politically connected” and “protected,” which made him reluctant to contact authorities regarding workers doing unauthorized jobs and frequently visiting strip clubs while being paid by the county.
Ten of the 15 Robutrad workers have pleaded guilty to petit larceny and repaid the money they stole.
In another alleged scare tactic against the Robutrad workers, Mathis said Morone read aloud excerpts from the infamous mobster John Gotti. Mathis said he believed Morone was connected to the mob.
Smith’s defense attorney, Joe Damelio, questioned Mathis’ testimony, asking him why he didn’t go to the FBI or state police.
Morone has admitted to stealing more than $112,000 from the county during his time as liaison to the Robutrad group. He still faces federal charges.
Smeenk also took the stand on Wednesday, along with Mathis and Brayton Connard, director of human resources for Monroe County.
An investigation into a sexual allegation involving a former Robutrad worker and a female county employee may have lead to the uncovering of the theft of thousands of dollars by the Robutrad group.
During the third day of testimony in the trial of former Deputy County Executive James Smith, a whistle blower told jurors the allegations of sexual relations between a trade worker from the now-defunct Robutrad group and a female county employee, whose name was not released, sickened him so much he blew the whistle on the worker by informing a county supervisor.
Several key witnesses testified on Wednesday that they first learned of alleged misconduct by Robutrad workers upon being informed of the sexual allegations.
Steve Mathis, a construction worker for Monroe County, told jurors that when he learned of the relationship he informed Pieter Smeenk, a building and maintenance supervisor. Mathis frequently performed jobs with Robutrad workers but was employed by the county. That eventually put in motion an investigation uncovering the Robutrad scandal.
On June 10, 2008, Mathis informed Smeenk about the sexual relationship after listening to a Robutrad worker brag about frequent sexual interaction with a female county employee, Mathis said. Mathis believed the woman was mentally disabled.
“It’s extremely disgusting,” said Mathis during testimony. “I wanted to put his lights out.”
Mathis also told Smeenk that Robert Morone, the former county liaison for Robutrad, had turned the group into a political work horse, a statement he previously feared might cost him his job or even his life, Mathis said.
Mathis told jurors Morone had shown him and other workers a gun several times and threatened their lives. He also said Morone was “politically connected” and “protected,” which made him reluctant to contact authorities regarding workers doing unauthorized jobs and frequently visiting strip clubs while being paid by the county.
Ten of the 15 Robutrad workers have pleaded guilty to petit larceny and repaid the money they stole.
In another alleged scare tactic against the Robutrad workers, Mathis said Morone read aloud excerpts from the infamous mobster John Gotti. Mathis said he believed Morone was connected to the mob.
Smith’s defense attorney, Joe Damelio, questioned Mathis’ testimony, asking him why he didn’t go to the FBI or state police.
Morone has admitted to stealing more than $112,000 from the county during his time as liaison to the Robutrad group. He still faces federal charges.
Smeenk also took the stand on Wednesday, along with Mathis and Brayton Connard, director of human resources for Monroe County.
Connard admitted to learning the Robutrad workers were allegedly getting paid for work they were not performing while hearing about the sexual allegations. He said he suggested to Smith that the issue be taken to law enforcement, but Smith disagreed. Smith told Connard it would be better handled internally, because political opponents would use the scandal against Republicans if it was leaked to the public.
County Executive Maggie Brooks agreed with Connard, and they eventually contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s office, initiating an investigation into the group.
Damelio said he expected Brooks to take the stand.
County Court Judge Frank Geraci said he expected the trial to continue into Friday.
