The former supervisor in the Town of Niagara accepted a plea deal in court Monday morning. Steven Richards, 61, admitted to using town resources and equipment to benefit a family-owned business.
Richard pleaded guilty to official misconduct, a class A misdemeanor. He was indicted on 23 counts including charges of fraud, grand larceny and official misconduct.
The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by federal agents by the FBI and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office.
Richards submitted his letter of resignation to the Town Board on Friday after, for several months, rejecting calls that he step down from his office.
Richards is expected to make full restitution of $1,240.37. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14.