Stratford Snowdrifters president arrested on embezzlement charges

STRATFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The president of a snowmobile club in the town of Stratford has been arrested for stealing money from the club, according to an announcement on Wednesday from New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

DiNapoli — along with Fulton County District Attorney Mike Poulin — announced on Wednesday, November 13 that 52-year-old Chad Daley has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $8,000 in checks from the Stratford Snowdrifters. The Comptroller's office also alleged that Daley had falsified records to secure $40,000 in state grant money.

Daley had been the president of the Snowdrifters for more than ten years.

"This arrest is the culmination of a wide-range investigation that uncovered a dishonest act by someone who used their position to take advantage of others," New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said in a statement. I thank the Comptroller's Office and the Fulton County District Attorney's Office for their committed partnership. We have zero tolerance for those who break the law to enrich themselves at the expense of the community."

According to a statement made by the Comptroller, Daley allegedly stole over $4,000 in checks made payable to the "Snowdrifters Club" and deposited them into his own account between late 2018 and 2023. He also allegedly wrote a check from the Snowdrifters' account to cash, which was endorsed and cashed by a partner of his.

The Comptroller's report also alleges that Daley made cash withdrawals from the club's bank account without authorization. Daley also allegedly took advantage of the group's tax-exempt status to purchase snowmobiles and trailers using club funds and registering all of them to himself. According to the statement, at least one snowmobile — plus some of Daley's everyday living expenses — were paid for with club funds.

In addition, Daley allegedly made false statements on trail maintenance logs on trails in the Adirondacks. According to the Comptroller, this allowed Daley to obtain $40,000 in grant funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It is unknown if Daley allegedly used any of that money for the same things he used club funds for.

"Chad Daley allegedly violated the trust of club members and his community to serve his own ends. I thank Fulton County District Attorney Mike Poulin and the New York State Police for their partnership in ensuring justice is served."

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, in a statement on Daley's arrest.

Daley was arrested and charged with:

Third-degree Grand Larceny, a Class D Felony,

First-degree Offering a False Instrument For Filing, a Class E Felony, and

Second-degree Falsifying Business Records, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Daley was issued a desk appearance ticket in the Town of Stratford. He will be arraigned in Stratford Town Court on Tuesday, December 3.