Dental official admits defrauding state

Schachter illegally billed for hours spent working in private practice

ALBANY, N.Y. » A Saratoga Springs dentist who was the state’s director of dentistry for incarcerated youth, pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing about $68,000 in public funds by billing for hours he should have been working at his government job but was instead treating private patients at commercial offices in Saratoga Springs and Amsterdam.

State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott and Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove said Dr. Neil Schachter, 61, of Route 423, pleaded guilty in Rensselaer City Court to official misconduct, paid full restitution and agreed to cooperate with investigators in another matter. He initially faces felony grand larceny charges when he was arrested in November 2016.

“This defendant exploited taxpayers with the theft of public funds that he used to supplement a six-figure salary he was already earning in private practice,” Leahy Scott said in a news release announcing the plea. “I will continue to use all resources at my disposal to pursue anyone who violates the public trust.”

Schachter, director of dentistry for the state Office of Children and Family Services’ Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth, remains suspended from his job without pay. In his state position, Schachter is in charge of other dentists and dental hygienists who treat incarcerated youth across the state.

“Today’s conviction demonstrates our commitment to aggressively prosecute those who steal from taxpayers,” Abelove said in the news release. “This defendant betrayed the public trust and has been held accountable. My office will continue to collaborate with the Inspector General and other agencies to pursue those individuals who abuse their positions for personal gain.”

An investigation by Leahy Scott found that between September 2013 and early 2016, Schachter filed timesheets charging the state for hours he was actually spending in his private practice. The investigation also found that in December 2014, Schachter created a fraudulent letter purportedly from his former supervisor that falsely authorized a work arrangement in which he could collect state and private salaries at the same time.