March 4, 2014
By. Stephanie West
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman have announced the arrest of Department of Health (DOH) contractor George Dunkel for stealing more than $87,000 by padding bills to pay for hotels, education credits and other expenses.
“Mr. Dunkel diverted more than $87,000 in public money meant to promote immunization of children across the state,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “Working with the Attorney General, our joint investigation into this disgraceful conduct will continue and will ensure that any money taken illegally will be returned. Contractors who cheat the state will be appropriately punished.”
Dunkel, 45, of Latham, who is executive director of the American Academy of Pediatrics, District II (AAP-II), was charged in Albany City Court with grand larceny and several counts of offering a false instrument for filing. If convicted, the maximum penalty is up to 15 years in prison.
Dunkel inflated expenses by more than $87,000 while under contract with DOH to develop and provide training and education on childhood immunization issues. AAP-II received more than $1.5 million in state funds for immunization grant contracts from 2006 to 2013.
