Wayne County Judge Daniel Barrett dismissed all charges on Tuesday (4/24) afternoon against former Town of Ontario Water Utilities Superintendent Rodney Peets.
Peets, age 59, was arrested Tuesday, October 10, 2017, and charged with three counts of offering a false instrument for filing 1st, three counts of offering a false instrument for filing 2nd, three counts of tampering with a public record 1st, three counts of tampering with a public record 2nd, and official misconduct.
According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Peets failed to take care of leaks in the town’s water system. In order to cover up for his failure, he falsified three reports to the town.
The indictment against Peets states he altered the “Revised” Report on the Unaccounted for Water dated February 16, 2015.
In addition, Peets is accused of altering the Monthly Activity Report to the Town Board for December 2015 and the Annual Drinking Water Report for 2015, which was released in March 2016.
“Mr. Peets allegedly failed to correct the water system issue and falsified records to conceal his negligence,” DiNapoli said. “Taxpayers have a right to expect accountability and transparency in government. I thank the State Police and Acting District Attorney Bokelman for their efforts to fight public corruption.”
Former Ontario Town Supervisor, John Smith, was advised of the dismissal after the prosecution presented its case.. “I am bitterly disappointed in the district attorney’s presentation. It is what it is. Justice does what justice does, it doesn’t mean it’s right.”
Wayne County District Attorney, Mike Colarco, who was not in court for the proceedings, indicted that the judge felt that perhaps there was incompetence, but not criminal actions in the case. “There was not enough evidence to convict the guy.” The case was handled by Assistant District Attorney Bruce Rosekrans.
Current Town Supervisor, Frank Robusto stated: “Concerns over the allegations against Rodney Peets have long been debated by the board. Being a council-member at the time of the accusations and through the subsequent investigation, I can say I support the judge’s decision in that no evidence was present to show Rodney did anything unlawful. The judge has dismissed all 13 counts in the indictment.
I am glad to see the judge’s response and am looking forward to moving the Town of Ontario forward.”