Former Utica City Schools Superintendent pleads guilty to public corruption charges

Ordered to pay restitution, agree to reduction in pension

UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Former Utica City Schools Superintendent Bruce Karam pled guilty to public corruption charges in Oneida County Court on Thursday, March 7, according to a release by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Karam, along with former Utica Mayor and Utica City School District President Louis LaPolla, were charged with using taxpayer funds for political campaigns and a non-school related fundraiser.

Investigators with the Oneida County District Attorney — as well as the State Comptroller and the New York State Police — found that Karam was using school money and resources to send election mailers. He was also accused of using school resources to send invitations for a fundraiser for LaPolla’s charity. According to the State Comptroller’s investigation, the misappropriated funds totaled over $14,000.

“Karam took vital funds meant to support the education of students and instead used them to serve his own needs,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “As a consequence of his actions, he is now a convicted felon and has been held accountable for his crimes. I thank District Attorney Carville and the State Police for their partnership in rooting out public corruption.”

Karam was arrested on November 21 of last year. LaPolla was arrested on six counts of mail fraud on September 22. Karam was put on leave in October of 2022, and was fired by the Utica City School board shortly after his arrest

“This case demonstrates the hard work of all our law enforcement partners who are focused on the same goal – holding those who break our laws accountable. Mr. Karam violated the public trust by stealing taxpayer money intended to provide a quality education for students at the Utica City School District,” Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said in a statement. “I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, our partners at the State Comptroller’s Office and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this dishonest act.”

As part of his plea deal, Karam will serve five years of probation, pay restitution of $12,000, complete 250 hours of community service, and agree to a consent order that will reduce his pension benefits.

“It is imperative that local leaders understand the responsibility and trust that the public has in the work they do,” Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville said in a statement. “Those who chose to abuse that trust are not fit to serve and will be held accountable.”

Karam will return to Oneida County Court for official sentencing and the signing of the consent letter on Friday, April 19. LaPolla is scheduled to appear for his next court date on Wednesday, April 10.