Stephen Donahue, the former association manager of the New York State USBC Bowling Association, was sentenced to three to nine years in state prison today on a felony count of second-degree grand larceny.

Donahue, who pleaded guilty in January, embezzled about $272,000 from the state Bowling Association and admitted gambling it away at Turning Stone Resort and Casino between September 2006 and May 2008.

In Oneida County Court, Donahue's attorney, Robert Bahr, asked if Donahue could receive only probation instead of prison time because of his poor health conditions. Instead, Donahue suggested that maybe he could travel and speak to people about gambling problems.

Bahr, however, noted that it was not likely Donahue would be able to pay even $50,000 toward the more than $200,000 that had been taken.

Dwyer denied that request and stated that it would send the wrong message that someone can steal thousands of dollars, not have to pay it back and receive no jail punishment.

"Is that the message you think should be sent?" Dwyer asked.

Donahue insisted that he never minimized what he had done, and that he accepted responsibility for his wrongdoing.

"This happened over and over and over again," Dwyer replied. "You just kept doing it and doing it and doing it. Why did you keep doing it?"

"I had a gambling problem, I don't know what else to say," Donahue said.

Donahue knew what he was doing was wrong, yet he just kept gamblilng away and had a "good time" until he was caught, Dwyer emphasized. In some cases, Dwyer noted, Donahue even took money from his wife to pay back the bowling association.

"Is that what you really think we're going to do, turn our backs on this?" Dwyer asked. "I'm sorry, but I just don't have sympathy for you."

Donahue was then taken into custody.

He is due back in court Friday, April 3, for a hearing to determine the exact amount of restitution.

Assistant District Attorney Laurie Lisi did not comment during the sentencing.
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3 holes of fun!!