Man arrested on larceny charges in Watertown

WATERTOWN, NY — New York State Police arrested a contractor on Nov. 19 following an investigation into alleged theft of construction project funds at Burrville Cider Mill.

Ronald V. Herzig, 50, of Copenhagen, was charged with grand larceny 2nd degree, grand larceny 3rd degree, lien law violation, offering a false instrument for filing 1st degree, and two Workers’ Compensation Law violations.

State Police received a contractor larceny complaint on Aug. 8 regarding work at the business located at 18176 County Route 156 in the town of Watertown.

The investigation found that in February 2024, the business hired Herzig to complete a construction project and paid him $308,370.

Investigators determined the funds were used for both project expenses and personal purchases and were not maintained in the required trust account.

After reviewing receipts and invoices Herzig provided, investigators identified $59,492.32 in project funds that were unaccounted for.

The investigation also determined that Herzig claimed to have paid $21,480 to a spray foam company for work on the project, but this payment was never made.

The Workers’ Compensation charges stem from Herzig filing a certificate of exemption stating he had no employees or subcontractors.

Investigators later recovered documentation showing that multiple individuals had been paid as employees, and that Herzig did not carry the required Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Herzig was arraigned in CAP Court, and the case was transferred to Jefferson County Court.