Dad Arrested After Falsifying Business Records So His Kids Could Attend A Different School District: NYSP

MILAN, NY — A Dutchess County man was arrested after breaking the law in an attempt to give his children the benefits of the best education that he could, according to police.

The New York State Police say that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Rhinebeck arrested 48-year-old Michael Cola, of Milan, for felony second-degree grand larceny, and felony first-degree falsifying business records.

According to state police, in December of 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation was notified of alleged falsifying of business records that took place in the Town of Red Hook.

An investigation found that Cola provided documentation falsely indicating that he lived in the Town of Red Hook, soley for the purpose of allowing his children to attend the Red Hook Central School District, according to NYSP.

Further investigation determined that the children actually lived within the Pine Plains Central School District and should have been enrolled there, police say.

The Red Hook Central School District reported a total financial loss of $59,327.30, according to state police.

Cola was arrested on Thursday, and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Red Hook Court on March 28.