Former Ambridge Water Authority manager pleads guilty to stealing more than $1 million
AMBRIDGE, Pa. (KDKA) -- The former Ambridge Water Authority manager pleaded guilty to stealing more than $1 million.
Michael Dominick pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud in federal court. The 44-year-old was accused of defrauding the water authority of approximately $1,073,185 between January 2020 and August 2022.
"There's people out there who are working two, three jobs to pay their bills and you see this, it's kind of depressing because we all work hard," said resident Elliot Carter.
As the manager, authorities said Dominick was responsible for overseeing the daily business and finances of the authority, giving him access to the bank accounts and payments. Prosecutors said he admitted to secretly diverting the money into his own personal accounts, writing checks to himself and using an authority debit card to buy personal items.
"I pay my water bill and the rates have gone up too and sometimes it's hard to pay some of those water bills with how expensive they are," said resident Shannon Yohe.
Dominick also failed to report the location of the authority's funds on financial records, prosecutors said.
"Michael Dominick's theft of more than a million dollars from the Ambridge Water Authority is an alarming violation of the public trust," U.S. Eric Attorney Olshan said in a news release. "Those who hold positions of authority at any level of government—and particularly those who are responsible for managing and safeguarding public finances—owe a special duty to act in the best interest of their employer and the community. Our office and our partners in law enforcement will continue to root out and hold accountable public officials who violate federal law and undermine public confidence in government."
Current Ambridge Water Authority general manager Nate Protzman released a statement but declined to comment further, saying:
"In July 2022, the Ambridge Water Authority was informed through its annual audit the authority was the victim of a criminal scheme to defraud the authority by its then general manager. His employment was terminated, and the information was turned over to law enforcement. As the sentencing in the case is still pending before the court, the authority at this time has no further comment."
The judge scheduled Dominick's sentencing for Feb. 20, 2025. He is facing up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both.