Former Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to a slew of charges, including corruption and larceny.
Current District Attorney Mike Korchak laid out the indictments, alleging that his predecessor filed vouchers to county government that intentionally included false information in order to receive money. Korchak said the money was government cash that was misappropriated. While Korchak didn't specify an amount, other than to say it exceeds $3,000, which led to a third-degree grand larceny charge.
The long-term investigation into Broome County government started in early 2020, Korchak said, and involved all of county government.
Along with Cornwell, his former spokesperson, James Worhach, faces similar charges.
The two men also face a charge of public corruption in connection with the false vouchers, Korchak said.
Cornwell also allegedly deleted computer files before leaving office in 2020, prosecutors allege.
In addition to the corruption and larceny charges, Cornwell faces 13 counts of second-degree forgery and 12 counts of offering a false instrument of filing.
“Let me say very simply, these allegations are false. I did nothing wrong and I did not commit any crime," Cornwell said in a statement. "At all times as the Broome County District Attorney, I conducted myself appropriately, adhering to the highest ethical standards of my profession. I am proud of what I accomplished as the county’s lead law enforcement official. I am stunned by these charges."
Both men appeared in Broome County Court Tuesday morning, entered not guilty pleas and were released on their own recognizance. The next court date is Sept. 23.
Cornwell did not seek re-election in 2019, instead he flirted with a 2020 congressional run before eventually bowing out and running unsuccessfully for Broome County Family Court judge.