LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A Florida man is facing serious charges after authorities say he orchestrated a scheme to defraud Lackawanna County by stealing thousands from its Arts and Culture Department.
According to the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, Michael Anthony Patrylo, a resident of Oviedo, Florida, is accused of stealing $56,362.13 in vendor payments by allegedly posing as a legitimate vendor to funnel the funds to himself.
The alleged fraud targeted the county’s Arts and Culture Department and involved falsified information to redirect payments. Investigators say Patrylo used electronic communications to carry out the scheme, leading to several charges including theft, forgery, receiving stolen property, and criminal use of a communication facility.
If convicted, Patrylo could face up to 47 years in prison, a $95,000 fine, and a term of supervised release. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of the fraud.
