NEW CITY, NY – Emily Dominguez, the former Deputy Mayor and Village Trustee of Haverstraw, has been sentenced to probation and restitution, for embezzling approximately $11,000 from the Rockland Community Foundation (RCF). The announcement was made by District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II on May 22nd, 2023.
Dominguez was also a board member and past president of the RCF, a non-profit organization responsible for managing and administering numerous charitable funds in Rockland County. Among these funds was the Haverstraw Neighborhood Fund (HNF), which Dominguez co-founded. The HNF was ostensibly established to offer resources and support to Haverstraw residents through various fundraising initiatives, including an annual backpack fundraiser and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
However, between March and October 2020, Dominguez and an accomplice submitted a total of 18 fraudulent receipts to the RCF for reimbursement. These receipts, allegedly from Portobello’s restaurant and catering where Janice Dominguez was previously employed, were entirely fabricated. They claimed to represent food provided to Haverstraw residents, but no such food was ever delivered.
On September 20, 2022, Dominguez pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, admitting her role in a scheme that involved submitting false receipts and stealing money from the RCF. Motions and proceedings were conducted, with an emphasis by the defense on Ms. Dominguez’ decades-long work in the community, work with numerous charitable organizations which she had served without any level of impropriety.
District Attorney Walsh II, in his statement, emphasized the responsibility of elected officials to uphold the law and serve the community with integrity. He expressed satisfaction that the sentencing concluded the criminal investigation, held the official accountable, and ensured restitution to the RCF. He also praised the investigative work carried out by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Comptroller’s Office on this multi-agency case.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli echoed Walsh’s sentiments, stating that Dominguez had betrayed the trust of Haverstraw’s citizens by stealing from programs intended to assist village residents in need. He expressed gratitude for his partnership with District Attorney Walsh in holding Dominguez accountable for her actions.
Julie Sadowski, Executive Director of the Rockland Community Foundation, stated that the organization remains committed to serving the community through the funds it oversees. She expressed relief at the restitution of $11,000 to the Haverstraw Neighborhood Fund and pledged to work with the broader Haverstraw community to revitalize this project fund in line with its original purpose.
Judge Prisco sentenced Emily Dominguez to 5 years of probation and ordered her to pay $8,966.25 in restitution directly to the Rockland Community Foundation.
This story is being updated as additional information is provided.