HAUPPAUGE - A former Riverhead fire commissioner and salesperson for the Long Island Cauliflower Association pled guilty Tuesday to grand larceny, filing a false instrument and forgery charges in Suffolk County Court.

State Supreme Court Justice Robert Doyle set a September 17 sentencing date for James Hogan and said he will consider the county probation department’s review of Hogan’s case before determining his sentence.  The defendant is free in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

In August of 2005, Hogan, of 464 Claus Avenue, convinced his colleagues on the fire district board to invest $100,000 of district funds with his employer, the Long Island Cauliflower Association.  Hogan promised his fellow commissioners a 6 percent return.

During the plea, Hogan admitted using the funds to cover debts he incurred on the job by giving his Cauliflower Association clients substantial discounts on purchases of farm supplies.