New York State Police have arrested a North Country contractor on multiple charges tied to a construction project at Burrville Cider Mill in Watertown.
Ronald Herzig, of Copenhagen, NY, is charged with second- and third-degree grand larceny, a lien law violation, offering a false instrument for filing, and two workers’ compensation–related misdemeanors. He was arraigned in CAP Court, and the case has been transferred to Jefferson County Court.
According to investigators, the case began with an August 8 complaint involving contractor larceny. Police say Burrville Cider Mill hired Herzig in February 2024 for a construction project and paid him $308,370. Detectives later determined that some of the funds were used for personal purchases and were not kept in the trust account required under New York’s lien law.
A review of receipts and invoices found $59,492 in project funds unaccounted for. Investigators also report that Herzig claimed to have paid $21,480 to a spray foam company, but the payment was never made.
The workers’ compensation charges stem from Herzig filing a certificate stating he had no employees or subcontractors. Records later showed multiple individuals were paid for work on the project, and proper insurance coverage was not in place.
State Police say the investigation is ongoing.
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