Trending
BEMUS POINT -- Following the arrest of a Rochester man at the beginning of the month regarding the alleged theft of funds from three school districts, including Bemus Point Central School, the district is continuing to work with authorities on the next steps.
New York State Police arrested Zacchary E. Weber, 49, following an investigation into the alleged theft of more than $810,000. The investigation began in September 2025 after the Sodus Central School District reported concerns involving funds administered by Health Economics Partners LLC, a company that administered medical and dental benefit accounts for organizations, including school districts. Weber serves as the company's CEO and president.
The investigation determined that funds were allegedly transferred without authorization from accounts belonging to the Sodus Central School District and North Rose-Wolcott Central School District in Wayne County and the Bemus Point Central School District in Chautauqua County to accounts controlled by HEP. The total amount of funds lost from Bemus Point is $251,119.86.
Holly Griffith, Bemus Point business executive, spoke with the Post-Journal on behalf of the district, saying that the district first began working with Health Economic Group/Health Economic Partners during the 2003-2004 school year to manage retiree health benefit funds. Weber became CEO of the company in 2024.
"After becoming aware of suspicious financial activity involving funds managed by HEG/HEP in 2025, the district promptly reported the matter to its insurance company and has cooperated fully with law enforcement officials and the insurance company throughout the investigation," Griffith told the Post-Journal. "Last week, Mr. Weber was arrested and charged with stealing funds from three school districts, including the Bemus Point Central School District."
While the investigation is ongoing, Griffith said the district is committed to honoring contractual obligations to retirees and continuing to work with law enforcement on what next steps might be taken.
"The district understands that these events may cause concern for the 15 Bemus retirees whose health benefit funds are involved," Griffith said. "The district remains committed to honoring our contractual obligations to these retirees and handling their health benefit funds appropriately. The district will continue to work with law enforcement and its insurance company to pursue recovery of any funds unlawfully taken from the District. The district is also weighing the potential costs and benefits of pursuing a civil lawsuit."