Owego Man Accused of Taking Bribes For State Contracts

A Tioga County man, who formerly worked for the New York State Office of General Services, is accused of taking bribes and making out false expense reports for New York State projects.

The state Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, says the State Inspector General, Comptroller and O.G.S. investigated the claims against John Hall of Owego that dated from 2006 to 2009.

Under the indictment, Hall is accused of taking bribes from the contractor working on emergency repairs to state facilities while he was responsible for the review and approval of contractor expense reports.  Hall is also accused of soliciting home improvement items, construction supplies and even a $40,000 back-hoe for his own personal use.

Hall pleaded not guilty in Seneca County Court to charges of grand larceny, receiving bribes and falsifying business records.