Watertown Investigation into Bribery & Golf Course Purchase Costs Taxpayers Over $5,600
WATERTOWN, New york (Original Reporting) – A nearly year-and-a-half long investigation involving alleged bribery and a controversial city land purchase ultimately yielded no charges, but cost Watertown taxpayers $5,637.50 in legal fees, according to documents recently presented to the City Council.
The probe began in October 2023 when then-Mayor jeff Smith emailed the New York State Attorney General’s office alleging a bribery attempt. Smith claimed local developer PJ Simao offered to settle unpaid taxes, provide golf cart storage, and make charitable donations in exchange for the identities of individuals running an anonymous Facebook page. In his email,Smith characterized Simao’s offer as a request for details ”in exchange for monetary gifts and other benefits” involving current Mayor Sarah Pierce,who was then a councilwoman.The Attorney General’s office responded swiftly, with Chief of Staff Anna Brower acknowledging the “serious allegations” and thanking Smith for bringing them to light.
Smith followed up on October 12th, expanding his concerns to include the city’s $3.4 million purchase of the Thompson Park golf course from developer Mike Lundy. He alleged the city overpaid for the property,questioned the use of non-disclosure agreements by some council members,and claimed the city’s legal counsel had warned of a potential “unconstitutional gift” related to the deal. Smith also highlighted a related agreement compensating Simao for a deed restriction on his Ives Hill Country Club, limiting its expansion to a 9-hole course.He described the golf course purchase as “a situation that may be much more serious in nature.”
Following Smith’s expanded concerns, the New York State Police investigation appeared to shift focus from the alleged bribery to the golf course transaction.No further correspondence from the Attorney General’s office was provided to 7NEWS.
The investigation became public in January 2025 when a City Council meeting was abruptly adjourned as members and city officials met privately with state police investigators. Attendees were reportedly asked to surrender their cell phones for data collection.
In May 2025, it was reported that the investigation had concluded with no charges filed against anyone for bribery or misconduct.
Legal portrayal provided by Bond Schoeneck and King from October 2023 through April 2025, when the matter was officially closed, totaled $5,637.50. documents show former Mayor Smith was interviewed by the city attorney and state police investigators on January 24, 2024, and current Mayor Sarah Pierce was interviewed on January 26, 2024.
