WEST SPARTA, NY — A 67-year-old man faces multiple felony charges following an investigation into alleged fraudulent transactions totaling more than $40,000.
Francis Donovan Jr., of West Sparta, was arrested Feb. 14 and charged with felony grand larceny in the third degree, felony scheme to defraud in the first degree and felony identity theft in the first degree.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office began investigating in December after a county resident reported possible fraud.
During that investigation, a second Livingston County resident contacted authorities with similar allegations.
Investigators determined Donovan allegedly made more than $40,000 in transactions to victims’ bank accounts without their knowledge from March 2024 through January.
Members of the Sheriff’s Patrol Division located and arrested Donovan on Feb. 14.
Donovan was processed at the Livingston County Jail and later arraigned before Town of Avon Justice Hoffman at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part.
The judge released Donovan on his own recognizance as the offenses do not qualify for bail under the New York State Bail Reform Act.
The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office represented Donovan at arraignment, while the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office represented the People.
Investigator James Merrick of the Criminal Investigation Division handled the investigation with assistance from members of the Patrol Division.
