DUNKIRK, N.Y. — New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced the indictment and arrest of former City of Dunkirk Treasurer Mark Woods, who is accused of stealing more than $120,000 in public funds over several years.
Woods was arraigned in Chautauqua County State Supreme Court on multiple felony charges, including second-degree grand larceny as a crime of public corruption, first-degree corrupting the government, and 12 counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.
According to investigators, Woods allegedly exploited his position as city treasurer to steal cash payments made for taxes and other municipal revenues between April 2022 and January 2025. Prosecutors say he carried out a scheme in which he failed to properly record certain utility and tax payments, substituting checks for missing cash in order to conceal shortages in city accounts.
A joint investigation by the New York State Comptroller’s Office and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, including a forensic audit, determined that Woods allegedly deposited portions of the stolen cash into his personal bank account. Financial records also revealed that Woods withdrew large sums of cash that investigators say were used for gambling, with expenditures far exceeding his legitimate income.
The investigation began in March 2025, when officials with the Dunkirk School District noticed irregularities in tax payments. Those concerns were reported to Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, who referred the matter to the district attorney. State investigators later closed the Treasurer’s Office and seized records connected to the case.
“As Dunkirk’s severe financial troubles escalated, Mr. Woods allegedly betrayed his community and public duty by scheming to steal over $120,000 in public money,” DiNapoli said, calling the alleged misconduct “particularly appalling” given rising taxes and the city’s financial struggles.
District Attorney Schmidt emphasized the impact on Dunkirk residents, many of whom are retirees on fixed incomes, stating that public officials have a responsibility to manage taxpayer funds honestly and competently.
Mayor Wdowiasz said reforms implemented by her administration uncovered the alleged misconduct by introducing shared access to financial records, layered oversight, and eliminating outdated accounting practices.
Woods served as Dunkirk’s elected treasurer for more than 25 years until his retirement and the abolition of the office in 2025. The case remains ongoing.
Authorities noted this is the second recent public corruption case involving Dunkirk officials. In 2023, a former city festivals coordinator was arrested on similar charges related to the alleged theft of more than $50,000, a case that remains pending.
As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Woods are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
