A former University at Buffalo maintenance supervisor pleaded guilty to accepting bribes while employed by the state, according to the New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott.
The IG says Dean Yerry, 63, used his position at UB to solicit and receive as much as $100,000 from the contractor. In exchange, Yerry would help the contractor win painting contracts within the school. As a result, the investigation shows the painter received an extra $1 million.
"This defendant abused his position to subvert the government procurement process to greedily and brazenly enrich himself while giving his favored contractor an unfair advantage," said Inspector General Leahy Scott. "He violated the public trust and I will continue to use my office to pursue anyone who uses their official position for criminal means."
Yerry retired to Henderson, Nevada during the investigation. He is out on bail until his sentencing on May 2.
