ROCHESTER, N.Y. (May 5, 2010) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that his office has obtained a court order and judgment for more than $2.2 million from a Rochester-based payroll company that defrauded hundreds of area businesses through an elaborate scheme where the owner kept money intended for taxes, using it instead for personal expenses. Under a court order and judgment issued in State Supreme Court of Monroe County, Paybooks, Inc. and its president Jeffrey Sykes are permanently barred from the payroll business and must set aside $2 million for restitution for eligible consumers. They must also pay a civil penalty of $5,000 for each instance of a deceptive act (totaling $200,000) and $2,000 in costs. A court-appointed receiver is overseeing the liquidation of the companys assets as well as the distribution of restitution. Consumers have until August 31, 2010 to file a complaint with the Attorney Generals Office in order to be eligible for restitution.