On Aug. 29, 2016, State Police in Fulton arrested James C. Demauro, 52, of 603 Berwick Road, Syracuse, for 25 counts of first-degree falsifying business records, a class E felony; and 25 counts fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class A misdemeanor.
Demauro, while being employed as a band instructor at the Phoenix Middle School, is accused of selling 25 band instruments belonging to the Phoenix School District to local pawn shops and then buying the instruments back. All but three instruments have been returned to the school.
Demauro was arraigned in Salina Town Court and released on his own recognizance; he is scheduled to return to Salina Town Court Sept. 29, 2016, at 5 p.m.
The State Police were assisted in this investigation by the Camillus Police Department and the Village of Phoenix Police Department.