Police: Bookkeeper For Syracuse-Area Contractor Stole $700K

GEDDES, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say the bookkeeper for a Syracuse-area contractor has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer.

The Onondaga (ahn-uhn-DAH'-gah) County Sheriff's Office says 62-year-old Walter Dudas (DOO'-duhs), of Solvay, was charged this week with forgery, falsifying business records and grand larceny identity theft.

Investigators say Dudas disbursed checks drawn on the business account of Spensieri (spehn-see-EHR'ee) Diversified, a painting and renovation contractor in Geddes (GEH'-dihs), and cashed them himself, stealing nearly $700,000 over several years.

Dudas is free after posting $25,000 bail. A woman answering the phone at a number listed for Dudas said he wouldn't be commenting on the charges.