Rochester, N.Y. – William Reilich Jr., the son of Monroe County Republican Party Chairman Bill Reilich, pleaded not guilty Thursday to fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and first-degree falsifying business records.
Reilich was arrested on September 6th. He is accused of collecting $7,700 in unemployment benefits while working for Monroe County between June 2009 and January 2010.
The night after his son’s arrest, Bill Reilich released the following statement:
"Regardless of the fact that my son is 31 years old, anyone with children knows you never stop being a parent. To that note, I am obviously greatly disappointed by my son's actions. I was only recently made aware of the charges against him and immediately upon being informed, my advice to him was to stand up and do the right thing. At this point in time, he has already made full restitution, and he will comply with whatever the judge asks of him."
"I would ask that his privacy, not unlike any other individual, be respected as he deals with his legal matter. As his dad, I will support him through this difficult time and support his decision to return to professional treatment for his gambling addiction as well."
Reilich is scheduled to return to Rochester City Court on October 17.
