Amidst a new controversy regarding the size of the City’s insurance claim for his alleged theft from Rye Golf Club, former manager Scott Yandrasevich made a third appearance before Judge Latwin in Rye City court March 18. Yandrasevich is accused of stealing $271,000.

Golf Club Case,  Insurance Claim Play Out in the Rough

Amidst a new controversy regarding the size of the City’s insurance claim for his alleged theft from Rye Golf Club, former manager Scott Yandrasevich made a third appearance before Judge Latwin in Rye City court March 18. Yandrasevich is accused of stealing $271,000.

At two previous court appearances, the DA’s office told Latwin that the County was not ready to convene a grand jury in the case. The third time was the charm of sorts, with Assistant DA Valerie Livingston telling the Court that a Grand Jury will begin hearing the case April 15, and that it should conclude the following week.

Meanwhile, a FOIL by a Rye resident unearthed the City’s August 2013 claim for $2.15 million filed with Travelers Insurance. The claim was based on a forensic report provided to the City by its law firm, Brune & Richard.

Some Rye residents are wondering why the size of the claim was not made public sooner. They also wonder how Yandrasevich can be formally accused of stealing $271,000, when Rye’s own $300,000 legal review and insurance claim state that far more was stolen.

Speaking at the March 12 City Council meeting, Rye Golf Club Commissioner Leon Sculti scolded the City on behalf of club members for dragging its heals on the claim. He also told Mayor Joe Sack and the Council, correcting the legal review, that the “money was stolen from golf club members, not from the City.”

Mayor Sack, noting that insurance companies are not noted for their largesse towards claims, generally agreed with Sculti’s assessment and promised to try and push the claim forward.

 

‘Uniform Bid’ Case Sealed: Charges Severely Reduced for Defendant

Jack Holmes, a former member of the Rye auxiliary police force, appeared in White Plains court March 11 nearly a year after being accused of falsifying documents in a bid to supply uniform shirts to the City of Rye. The case has been sealed; however, sources have told the paper that the two felony counts pending against Holmes were reduced to two counts of disorderly conduct, non-criminal offenses carrying maximum fines of less than $400.

In March 2013, Holmes’ company, New England Sportswear, included warranty letters from Blauer Manufacturing in his bid, which was approved by the City Council. Subsequently, Blauer wrote to the City at the behest of the competing bidder, New England Uniform, stating that Blauer did not provide warranties to Holmes’ company. After a review, the letters were found to have been falsified.

During the contract approval process, Mayor Joe Sack, then a City Councilman, cast a “no” vote, citing what he saw as at least an appearance of a conflict of interest due to Holmes’ RPD connection.

At the time, Corporation Counsel Kristen Wilson stated that there was no conflict, since Holmes held no paid position with RPD.

After charges were filed against Holmes, he was suspended from RPD’s auxiliary police. Acting Police Commissioner Lt. Robert Falk confirmed that he received a letter from Holmes’ attorney last week, requesting that Holmes be reinstated. Falk expected to meet with him soon to discuss reinstatement.

Holmes had no previous criminal record and no funds were ever exchanged between the City and New England Sportswear, facts that may have weighed heavily in his favor.

He was represented by Anthony Piscionere, who is also Chairman of the Rye Republican Committee and a member of the City’s Zoning Board.