Greece, N.Y. — A judge is recommending a federal investigation into whether Greece Town Board member William Murphy possibly committed perjury.
Court paperwork said the case involves Murphy, the town’s former deputy commissioner of public works, who sued the town for allegedly making him work thousands of unpaid hours for the town supervisor’s side business and personal business.
Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich has asked the town attorney for an expedited review of state law.
“Judge Pedersen’s report was a window into the type of conduct some people will stoop to for a cheap buck,” Reilich said in a statement. “I will not let the Town and its taxpayers be bullied by this cast of characters. We will continue to vigorously defend against these lawsuits.”
A statement from the town says in part, “As this matter has been referred to the U.S. Attorney for investigation, the town will have no further comment at this time.”
The full statement reads:
The Town is in receipt of a Report and Recommendation issued on May 5, 2025 by Western District of New York Federal Magistrate Mark W. Pedersen concerning the Court’s own inquiry into possible misconduct in the case of Robert Johnson v. Town of Greece. In his Report, Judge Pedersen found evidence resulting in the Court’s referral of Town Board Member William Murphy ‘to the United States Attorney for possible perjury prosecution.’ The referral to the U.S. Attorney is based on sworn statements filed by Mr. Murphy in the federal litigation.
Judge Pedersen also considered sanctions against Maureen Bass, Esq., the attorney for former Town of Greece employee Robert Johnson. Judge Pedersen recommended no sanctions of Ms. Bass ‘at this time.’ Ms. Bass is also legal counsel for former Town of Greece employees Casey Voelkl, Jared Rene and Bryan Root, as well as Ryan Murphy and Tina Bachman. All have sued the Town in federal court. In the cases of Johnson, Voelkl, Rene and Root many claims have been dropped or dismissed by the court. To date, no claims against the Town have been substantiated.
Judge Pedersen’s Report will next go to District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, in addition to the U.S. Attorney for investigation.
Supervisor Bill Reilich said, ‘Judge Pedersen’s Report is thorough and meticulous. The evidence the Court points to is cause for alarm. The possibility of misconduct and the criminal referral is extremely serious.’
Concerning Mr. Murphy’s future as a Town Board member, Supervisor Reilich said, ‘Mr. Murphy needs to search his heart and soul and decide whether he can be an effective member of the Board and serve this community under these circumstances.’
In the meantime, Supervisor Reilich has asked the Town Attorney for an expedited review of state law, independent of the federal investigation, to determine what action may be advisable and necessary for the Town Board to consider in light of these revelations and Judge Pedersen’s Report.
Supervisor Reilich again reiterated his viewpoint concerning lawsuits brought against the Town stating, ‘Judge Pedersen’s Report was a window into the type of conduct some people will stoop to for a cheap buck. I will not let the Town and its taxpayers be bullied by this cast of characters. We will continue to vigorously defend against these lawsuits.’
Mr. Murphy has not been charged or prosecuted for any crime and is presumed innocent.
As this matter has been referred to the U.S. Attorney for investigation, the Town will have no further comment at this time.
MORE: Judge partially dismisses lawsuit regarding ex-Greece police chief’s DWAI crash | Former Greece police sergeant sues town, claiming retaliation for reporting misconduct | Second Greece officer intends to sue town, police department
The federal court report can be found below:
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