RED HOOK, NY — A Milan man was arrested following an investigation into falsified school enrollment records, New York State Police announced.
Michael Cola, 48, of Milan, was charged with grand larceny in the second degree, a class C felony, and falsifying business records in the first degree, a class E felony.
In December, the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Rhinebeck was notified of alleged falsifying business records that occurred in Red Hook.
The investigation determined that Cola provided documentation falsely indicating that he resided in Red Hook for the sole purpose of allowing his children to attend the Red Hook Central School District.
Further investigation determined the children reside within the Pine Plains Central School District and should have been enrolled there.
The Red Hook Central School District reported a total financial loss of $59,327.30.
Cola was arrested on March 5, 2026, and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Red Hook Court on March 28, 2026, at 4 p.m.
