Investigation into former Ulster Co. Finance Commissioner completed

ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An investigation into former Ulster County Commissioner of Finance Burton Gulnick Jr.'s time in office has concluded following his guilty plea and sentencing for stealing from a not-for-profit. The State Comptroller's Office found no evidence of fraud but said it found weaknesses in county procedures that could leave it vulnerable to fraud.

Gulnick pleaded guilty to stealing over $97,000 from Hurley Recreational Association, a non-profit organization that provides summer programs for children, back in October 2023. Investigators determined that he also stole thousands of dollars from an election campaign bank account of former Ulster County Executive Michael Hein.

He was sentenced to two years in prison in February of this year.

“A thorough investigation by my office found no evidence that the former Commissioner committed fraud in his public position,” State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. “Despite this, we have made several recommendations to Ulster County officials to strengthen financial practices and guard against potential fraud in the future. I thank County Executive Jen Metzger for referring this matter to my office and assuring the county’s full cooperation in this examination. I also thank County Comptroller March Gallagher, District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji, and the New York State Police for their work and assistance throughout our inquiry.”