PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on  October 8, 2024, to a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced  today. 

Michael Dominick, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge  Cathy Bissoon. 

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Dominick, a former manager  at the Ambridge Water Authority (AWA), defrauded AWA of money and property totaling  approximately $1,073,185 during the period of January 2020 through August 2022. As manager of  AWA, Dominick was responsible for overseeing all daily business and financial activity and thus  had access to AWA’s bank accounts and cash and check payments made to AWA for water and  related services. Dominick admitted that he secretly diverted AWA’s money into his own personal bank accounts by writing checks to himself, depositing cash and checks issued to AWA into his  personal bank accounts, using an AWA debit card to make purchases of personal items, and  adjusting or failing to report the true location of AWA’s funds on critical financial records.  

“Michael Dominick’s theft of more than a million dollars from the Ambridge Water  Authority is an alarming violation of the public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Those who  hold positions of authority at any level of government—and particularly those who are responsible  for managing and safeguarding public finances—owe a special duty to act in the best interest of  their employer and the community. Our office and our partners in law enforcement will continue  to root out and hold accountable public officials who violate federal law and undermine public  confidence in government.” 

“This plea marks a significant step toward justice,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in  Charge Kevin Rojek. “This fraud not only affects critical public resources, but also represents a  betrayal of public trust. The AWA exists to provide an essential resource to our community.  Stealing money in this manner has the potential to directly impact the well-being of tens of  thousands of people.”

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2025. The law provides for a total  sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal  Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the  government. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Beaver County District Attorney’s Office  conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dominick.