Hudson Valley Man Pleads Guilty To Using Companies To Embezzle Millions

A former comptroller pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $2.5 million from two Hudson Valley manufacturing companies, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

A Pleasant Valley man pleaded guilty to felony mail fraud and tax evasion.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

Kathy Reakes

04/12/2018 4:28 p.m.

Mark Cina, 56, of Pleasant Valley, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony mail fraud and tax evasion, the office said.

Cina admitted to embezzling the money from two companies in the Town of Poughkeepsie over the course of approximately seven years, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

For years, Cina allegedly used company money to gamble, pay his rent, dine out, and fund a host of other personal expenses, officials said.

The two companies, with plants located in the Town of Poughkeepsie, designed and manufactured solar energy products such as solar-powered roof shingles and a solar-powered ring of lights encircling the top of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

After the crimes were uncovered, a state police and federal law enforcement investigation unraveled the extent of the fraud.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Cina spent money on:

$457,000 at a mini-mart
$180,000 at a gas station
$25,000 for rent
$125,000 for personal credit card bills
$599,000 in non-payroll checks, payable to Cina
$282,000 in checks payable to cash
$825,000 in cash withdrawals

He also spent money at pharmacies, for medical and dental services and to rent vehicles.

As part of his plea deal, Cina agreed to repay $2.5 million. According to Michael S. Pollok, the lawyers for the owner of the company, have filed suit against the accounting firm, D’Arcangelo & Company responsible for overseeing the businesses.

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