Return of Former CEO Wojtaszek Fuels Turmoil at Western OTB as Ex-Employee Sues Brown's Team

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. is embroiled in a power struggle between its former chief executive, Henry Wojtaszek, and the man who replaced him, former Buffalo mayor Byron Brown. According to reporting by Investigative Post, Wojtaszek's return to the organization has divided staff and set off a string of disputes.

Insiders told the outlet they believe Wojtaszek is quietly working to reclaim influence over the agency. One source described him as being on a "revenge tour." Nine sources, most speaking on background, said tensions have climbed since he rejoined the board. One said staff "don't know who to listen to." Wojtaszek did not respond to a request for comment.

The latest flashpoint is a lawsuit filed by David Hughson, a 21-year OTB veteran who retired in 2023 and was rehired part-time as a bar manager at Batavia Downs two months later. Hughson alleges he was fired in March in retaliation for a whistleblower complaint. He claims the workforce has split into factions loyal to Brown or to Wojtaszek, and he seeks $15 million in damages. The suit says he earns between $30,000 and $35,000 a year, and salary records show he was paid $22.16 per hour in 2025.

Much of the complaint targets Brown's chief of staff, Steven Casey. It alleges Casey tried to turn employees against one another, said he "hated the bartenders" at the 34 Rush bar and wanted it closed, and sprayed Human Resources Director Danielle Fleming with water during an active shooter training. Sources said that incident happened in June 2025 and that Hughson did not witness it. The suit also says Casey's mismanagement cost $150,000 to $200,000 in concert sponsorship revenue; Brown has said the 2025 concert series turned its first-ever profit, netting $272,321. Brown called the lawsuit's claims "false" and said Hughson was "properly terminated."

Hughson's attorney, John Bartolomei, denied that Wojtaszek is connected to the case. State records show Bartolomei donated $2,250 to campaign accounts of Caroline Wojtaszek, a county judge and Henry Wojtaszek's wife, between 2018 and 2020.

The dispute follows months of controversy. Brown and Casey released a report accusing a senior official, later identified as Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski, a Wojtaszek ally, of taking $27,000 in food and drinks at Batavia Downs. Wojtaszek, a former Niagara County Republican chairman, was appointed to the board in September. Female employees urged the board to block his return, after which his wife reportedly berated one of them at a public event; sources said the State Commission on Judicial Conduct is investigating. A state comptroller audit also found OTB's finances were mismanaged over four years.

Wojtaszek also lacks the state gaming license required for board service. In an April 6 letter, Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said listing him in minutes and on OTB's website was "inaccurate and misleading to the public." State Sen. Jeremy Zellner has introduced a bill to bar Wojtaszek from obtaining a license, saying he "should not be anywhere near OTB right now."

The whistleblower investigation is also contested. Board Chairman Dennis Bassett hired the law firm Gallo & Iacovangelo in January under an arrangement of $10,000 up front plus $425 an hour. The final cost was $42,000. Bassett said the board has not received the report, and a Freedom of Information request for it was denied. The board approved the payment after a four-hour executive session and plans a special meeting Wednesday to vote on rescinding it.

A further wrinkle emerged in an April 29 Gaming Commission email stating that former judge John Owens, a firm partner who advises the board, also needs a license he does not hold. OTB pays the firm $8,333 monthly for his services. Owens said he is on vacation until May 20 and was unwilling to discuss the matter without reviewing his file. At stake is control of an operation with a hotel, casino, racetrack and betting parlors that gross about $1 billion annually and are known as political patronage operations.