Ex-head of company admits to mail fraud

POTSDAM — A Potsdam businessman pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to a mail fraud charge in connection with his handling of his employees' retirement plan in 2003.

Sidney Belile, Raymondville, former president of Northern New York Environmental Services Corp. Inc., which did business as Northern New York Construction Services Corp., pleaded guilty to mail fraud, the top count in a four-count indictment handed up in federal court Oct. 30.

Mr. Belile, along with Mark Mayette, Waddington, and Kirk Mayette, Madrid, who were vice presidents of the bankrupt construction company, were alleged to have stolen money intended for their employees' retirement. They were each charged with mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, filing a false statement and theft or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.

It was alleged in the indictment that the company's owners did not make contributions to a defined contribution plan for its employees for most of 2003, instead keeping the money for their own use. It also is claimed the company submitted false certifications to government agencies showing the benefits were being paid to employees when they were not, inducing these agencies and their prime contractors to continue making payments to the company.

They were charged with mail fraud because at least one of the alleged false payroll certifications was mailed Nov. 3, 2003, to the Malone Central School District for work performed at Franklin Academy Senior High School.

According to documents filed Friday in district court in Albany, Mr. Belile pleaded guilty to the mail fraud charge and the remaining charges will be dismissed at sentencing, scheduled for Aug. 11. Documents show Mr. Belile could face up to 20 years in prison for the conviction and be fined up to $250,000. He also is expected to be ordered to pay $34,730 in restitution.

Charges against Mark and Kirk Mayette are pending, according to court documents. A trial is scheduled in for April 20 in their cases.