Lewis County area contractor arrested, charged on larceny and workers' compensation violations

JEFFERSON COUNTY- A local contractor from the North Country area is faced with felony and misdemeanor accusations following a larceny investigation.

On Wednesday, New York State Police Investigators announced the arrest of Ronald V. Herzig, 50, of Copenhagen, NY for one felony count each of grand larceny in the second and third-degrees, lien law violation and offering a false instrument for filing in the first-degree.

In addition, Herzig was also charged with misdemeanor counts of violating New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law.

These charges all stem from a complaint received in early August at Burrville Cider Mill, located just south of Watertown, NY.

Investigators learned the business hired Herzig in February, 2024 to complete a construction project and paid him $308,370.

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

Investigators subsequently identified $59,492.32 in project funds that were unaccounted for after reviewing receipts and invoices Herzig provided.

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 reportedly 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.

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