State workers charged in "man cave" case

ALBANY Little did they know, they were being watched by the New York Attorney General's office, which released surveillance video of the men.

They had set up the secret room in a state office building right next to the capital in Albany.

They were charged with using and dealing marijuana and cocaine, sleeping, and watching television instead of performing their duties.

Gary A. Pivoda, 48, of Glennon Road in Latham, pled guilty to the felonies of Defrauding the Government and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. His plea arrangement includes one year in Albany County Jail, the payment of $2,076.12 in restitution for hours not worked, resignation from his current position, and a lifetime ban from government employment.

Louis Marciano, 50, of Willow Street in Rensselaer, pled guilty to the felony of Defrauding the Government. His plea arrangement includes five years probation, 250 hours of community service, the payment of $1,503.97 in restitution for hours not worked, resignation from his current position, and a lifetime ban from government employment.

Pivoda and Marciano both waived appeal as a condition of their pleas.

Their sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2010.

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