FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: APRIL 28, 2015
RE: PRESS RELEASE – JOHN BENKERT
John Benkert, 51, from
Hurley, pled guilty on Monday, April 27, 2015 in County Court before the Hon.
Anthony McGinty to the class C felony of grand larceny in the second degree and
scheme to defraud in the first degree, a class E felony.
During his plea
allocution, Benkert admitted to stealing in excess of $320,000 from local
businessmen and friends using fraudulent pretenses.
Benkert was arrested
after a long-term investigation by the New York State Police and the Ulster
County District Attorney’s Office which revealed that his scheme involved the
alleged development of a legal marijuana farm, as well as the purchase and
development of a mall in the State of Connecticut. Based on promises of a quick investment
turnaround with substantial profit, investors lent him funds at a time when
Benkert had no intention or financial capability of repaying the advances.
Benkert is scheduled
to be sentenced in Ulster County Court on August 5, 2015. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant
District Attorney Jessica Mila Schutzman.
Benkert is represented by Thomas K. Petro, Esq. of Kingston.
