Former Utica Mayor Louis LaPolla Pleads Guilty to Misusing Scholarship Funds

LaPolla admitted to diverting nearly $40,000 intended for a scholarship in his late wife's name, facing up to 20 years in prison.

LaPolla used donations for personal expenses instead of funding scholarships for students in health-related fields.
The ex-mayor, who served from 1984 to 1995, also held a long tenure on the Utica City School District board.
In addition to mail fraud, LaPolla earlier pleaded guilty to petit larceny for misusing school district resources.
Restitution payments total over $41,000, reflecting the funds misappropriated and resources used.
Sentencing is scheduled for September, with potential penalties including a substantial fine and supervised release.