Grand Jury indicts former mayor

PENN YAN—Former Penn Yan Mayor Douglas Marchionda Jr. is scheduled to appear in Yates County Court Jan. 7.

Last week the Yates County Grand Jury handed down an indictment against Marchionda. Steuben County District Attorney John Tunney presented the case to the Grand Jury.
In May, Marchionda, 42, was charged with one count of first degree offering a false instrument for filing, fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records. The first two counts are E Felonies and the third, a misdemeanor. The charges stem from Marchionda’s allegation he had paid less than the actual amount paid for a used motor home in 2005.
Marchionda was accused of submitting documents to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle that stated the amount of the sale was $10,000. The amount of sales tax paid was $800. The actual purchase price was $33,000. The amount of sales tax due on that amount was more than $2,400.
A special prosecutor from Steuben County was named to handle the case due to a possible conflict of interest in Yates County. Alan Reed from the Steuben County District Attorney’s office has represented the office. Since his arrest in late May, Marchionda has appeared in Penn Yan Village court several times with his attorney Steven Witkowicz. Following the last village court date on Nov. 1, Witkowicz and Reed told Village Justice Danny Hibbard they were unable to reach a settlement in the case.
Although neither Marchionda nor his attorney has discussed the case in public, Marchionda has maintained the transaction was a private matter and had no connection with his position as Penn Yan mayor.
Marchionda served in village government for 18 years, He was a trustee for 10 years and was mayor for eight years. He did not run for an additional term as mayor in 2010. Marchionda is currently employed at the Penn Yan Water Treatment Plant.