DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WKBW) — A former Dunkirk city treasurer is facing multiple felony charges, accused of stealing more than $120,000 from the city and falsifying records to conceal the theft.
Mark Woods, who served as Dunkirk’s elected treasurer for more than 25 years, is charged with grand larceny, public corruption and 12 counts of offering a false instrument for filing.
Prosecutors claim Woods stole cash payments made to the city between April 2022 and January 2025, then manipulated records to hide the stolen money.
According to the State Comptroller's Office, the investigation began in March 2025, when Dunkirk School District officials noticed irregularities.
WATCH: Dunkirk Treasurer's Office closed at direction of State Comptroller’s Office amid investigation
Investigators allege Woods used a “check-for-cash substitution scheme,” failing to record certain tax payments and using them to offset shortfalls caused by stolen cash. Authorities claim Woods deposited some of the money into his personal bank account. “Any abuse of office by a public official is intolerable, but to steal public funds while resident taxes rise to cover financial shortfalls is particularly appalling," said NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
According to investigators, a forensic review of Woods' finances found large withdrawals allegedly used for gambling, with spending far exceeding his income.
Woods retired in 2025, when the treasurer’s office was abolished.
State Sen. George Borrello told 7 News that it's past time for a control board to be instated to oversee Dunkirk's finances.
The embezzlement allegations are "a sign of a much larger problem, that there's no financial accountability," Borrello said. "You know, this treasurer who's been arrested, he was operating with pencil and paper. He had no accounting software whatsoever. No record-keeping. The comptroller's office was beside themselves because they couldn't actually do a proper audit because of how bad the records were."
WATCH: Former Dunkirk treasurer indicted for allegedly stealing more than $120k from city
The Dunkirk Mayor's Office and Dunkirk Police Department issued the following joint statement:
"When Mayor Kate Wdowiasz took office, she immediately prioritized a full review of the City’s finances. From the start, she made it clear that the status quo was unacceptable. She implemented new policies and procedures to modernize financial oversight, strengthen record-keeping, and ensure transparency. These reforms were decisive. Because of the Mayor’s strengthened controls and mandatory oversight, significant irregularities were uncovered, triggering the investigation.
The City of Dunkirk acknowledges the indictment and arrest warrant issued for former City Treasurer Mark Woods. While difficult for our community, this action is a necessary step toward accountability and restoring public trust.
The Mayor’s reforms were the direct catalyst for uncovering suspected criminal activity within the Treasurer’s Office. By requiring shared access to financial records, enforcing multi-layered review, and rejecting outdated practices, the administration exposed irregularities that had previously been concealed. These findings were immediately referred to the appropriate authorities, leading to the investigation, indictment, and arrest of Mr. Woods.
The City of Dunkirk understands the frustration and disappointment residents feel when public funds are mishandled. Our community works hard, pays taxes, and deserves a government that protects every dollar. This administration — and the residents we serve — will not tolerate misconduct, secrecy, or abuse of public trust. When concerns were raised, the Mayor acted decisively, and the strengthened oversight measures ensured the suspected misconduct was uncovered and addressed.
Once concerns were identified, Mayor Wdowiasz immediately restricted the Treasurer’s ability to independently handle City funds, implemented additional oversight requirements, and ensured no financial transactions occurred without broader administrative review. These actions protected taxpayer dollars and stabilized City operations while the investigation proceeded.
Mayor Wdowiasz and Police Chief Christopher Witkowski reaffirm that the City has been fully transparent throughout this process and will continue to support state and county authorities as legal proceedings move forward. The City remains committed to strong internal controls, financial transparency, and ensuring that breaches of trust never occur again.
Our residents deserve nothing less."
