Uncovering the Misuse of Public Funds: Former Williamsport Finance Director Charged with Theft and Tampering

In a shocking turn of events, William "Bill" Nichols, the former finance director of Williamsport, has been charged with felony counts of theft and tampering with records. The charges stem from the alleged misuse of state and federal funding intended to benefit River Valley Transit, a public transportation system serving the local community.

Exposing the Breach of Trust: Nichols Accused of Misappropriating Over $500,000

Allegations of Misusing Restricted Grant Funds

The state Attorney General's office has accused Nichols, 71, of misusing more than $500,000 in city, state, and federal funds that were designated for specific public transportation projects over a set period of years. The news release states that most of the money was restricted grant funding, meaning it was intended for a specific purpose and could not be used for other non-transportation-related initiatives.

Diverting Funds to Unauthorized Projects and Organizations

According to the investigation, Nichols improperly diverted the restricted public funds to other non-transportation projects and purposes, including improperly funding a private non-profit organization of which he was a board member. This action directly contradicted the intended use of the grant money, which was to support and maintain the public transportation system in the Williamsport community.

Bypassing Oversight and Accountability

The comprehensive investigation conducted by the Attorney General's office revealed that Nichols manipulated the oversight process, allowing him to circumvent the proper procedures and regulations governing the use of these public funds. This breach of trust has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the financial management within the city's transportation system.

No Personal Benefit Identified

It is important to note that the investigation did not indicate that Nichols used any of the misappropriated funds for personal benefit or purchases. The focus of the charges appears to be on the unauthorized diversion of the restricted grant money to projects and organizations outside the intended scope of the public transportation system.

Charges and Preliminary Hearing

Nichols was charged and waived his preliminary hearing on Tuesday morning. He was released on his own recognizance, and his formal arraignment is scheduled for November 8th. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo, who will likely present the evidence and allegations in greater detail during the upcoming legal proceedings.

Reaction from the Attorney General's Office

In the news release, Attorney General Henry expressed his disappointment in Nichols' actions, stating, "The defendant was a dedicated public servant in the Williamsport community for over 40 years, but at a point, he decided to criminally misappropriate funds and manipulate the oversight process." This sentiment underscores the gravity of the charges and the breach of trust that has occurred.The investigation into Nichols' alleged misuse of public funds is a stark reminder of the importance of financial accountability and transparency within government agencies and public institutions. As the legal process unfolds, the Williamsport community and the broader public will be closely watching to see how this case is resolved and what measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.