A former manager at a water authority in Western Pennsylvania has been sentenced to over two years in prison for defrauding the company of over $1 million, according to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Michael Dominick, a 44-year-old resident of Aliquippa, received his sentencing in federal court on February 20th. He has been sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Dominick is required to pay restitution of $1,073,185. This verdict came after he pleaded guilty to mail fraud on October 8th, 2024.
According to information presented to the federal court, Dominick defrauded the Ambridge Water Authority (AWA) of money and property between January 2020 and August 2022 while serving as the manager.
As the Manager, Dominick was responsible for overseeing the daily business and financial operations of AWA. He had authority over the company’s bank accounts and handled cash and check payments received for services provided. Rivetti revealed that Dominick misappropriated funds by issuing checks to himself and depositing cash into his personal accounts. Additionally, he used the AWA debit card for personal expenses and fabricated financial reports to conceal his illicit activities.
According to Rivetti’s release, Dominick has been directed to reimburse AWA and one of its insurers the entire stolen sum.
During his sentencing, Dominick’s “significant abuse of public trust” was highlighted by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.