NEW YORK (WRGB) — Chad Daley, the former president of the Snowdrifters of Stratford, NY has pleaded guilty to stealing $17,000 from the nonprofit organization, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Fulton County District Attorney Mike Poulin, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Daley, 52, admitted to the theft and has paid full restitution to the club as part of his plea agreement, according to DiNapoli’s office. He pleaded guilty to petit larceny in Stratford Town Court.
Chad Daley abused his position to enrich himself with funds meant to support his community,” said DiNapoli. “Any violation of the public’s trust for personal gain is unacceptable. Thanks to our partnership with District Attorney Poulin and the New York State Police in this case, Mr. Daley has been held accountable for his crimes.
James commended the efforts of the State Police, the State Comptroller’s Office, and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, stating:
This individual abused the position he was entrusted in, taking thousands of dollars that were meant to keep snowmobile trails and the community safe. We have zero tolerance for those who seek to defraud others and put the unsuspecting public in harm’s way.
Daley’s thefts occurred from late 2018 through 2023.
He admitted in court to depositing $5,300 in checks made payable to the “Snowdrifters Club” into his personal bank account, transferring over $3,000 from the club’s account to his own, and writing a $3,500 check to cash, which was endorsed and cashed by his longtime partner. Additionally, Daley made unauthorized cash withdrawals of over $5,000 from the Snowdrifters’ bank account and used the club’s tax-exempt status to purchase snowmobiles and trailers for personal use.
The Snowdrifters of Stratford, which receives funding from New York state and Fulton County, is responsible for maintaining snowmobile trails in the Adirondacks. Daley served as the organization’s president for more than a decade.