ONTARIO COUNTY, N.Y. — A Geneva veteran is accused of stealing nearly $93,000 from the local American Legion, according to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.

Dale Henry Mosher, 63, was charged with grand larceny for stealing at least $92,698 from the American Legion Post #396. Mosher spent nearly 20 years on and off as commander. In the last eight years — starting in December of 2015 — investigators say he stole funds from the post.

Sheriff David Cirencione said the investigation started just after the new commander took place. AJ Fratto stepped into office in June 2023. He said he tried and mostly failed to get old financial records from Mosher. He said the few records he did obtain were suspicious. 

“We saw things that didn’t add up, that’s what it comes down to,” Fratto said. “And we had people, good people on our boards that we could trust. And they found things that led us to where we are right now today.”

Fratto said this inside the Sheriff’s Office, just after Cirencione announced Mosher’s arrest. The 10-month investigation into Mosher and the Legion resulted in that grand larceny charge. 

“These members work so hard to raise a few dollars from a chicken barbeque, a fish dinner during Lent,” Cirencione said. “And when you look, and you see someone who’s supposed to be in charge — and actually leading the way to ensure their success — and you see that eight, nine years, 93 thousand dollars going into his own pockets … it’s heartbreaking for the members that have been up there working and taking part.”

It was heartbreaking for Fratto, too. The new commander said it hurts to see someone in a position he admired do something like this. Fratto said he met Mosher years ago, before he and his family had moved back to this area. 

“I ran into him at the Legion on the lake, and I said, ‘”‘One day, if my wife ever lets me come home, I’m going to help you,'” Fratto said. “And that’s exactly what I did. That’s what we did. And now we’re gonna help the community, and that’s what’s most important.”

Mosher was arraigned Monday and released. He is due back in court sometime in May. News10NBC is working to determine the specific date.