Local

DiNapoli: Former Potter Town Clerk Pleads Guilty to Theft of Public Funds

Former Town of Potter Clerk Julie Brown pleaded guilty yesterday after pocketing public funds for her personal use and must pay back $46,646 in restitution. Her thefts were brought to light during a joint investigation by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office, Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella’s office and Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike’s office.

DiNapoli: Lack of Transparency With School Districts' Financial Reports May Leave Taxpayers in the Dark

Schools in 13 districts statewide did not always post required financial information in a clear and comprehensive manner on their websites, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. When they did post the information, it was often hard to find.

DiNapoli: Former Village of Chatham Clerk-Treasurer Arrested for Stealing Funds From the Village

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, and the New York State Police today announced the arrest of Barbara Henry, the Village of Chatham’s former Clerk-Treasurer, following a joint investigation for unlawfully waiving her own health insurance premiums. This is the second arrest of a village official stemming from the joint investigation.

DiNapoli: February Local Sales Tax Collections Down 4.2 Percent; Year Over Year Decline Narrows

Overall sales tax collections for local governments declined by 4.2 percent in February compared to the same month in 2020, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. Collections totaled nearly $1.3 billion, down $55 million from February of last year. Collections are down $2.2 billion, or 12 percent, for the past 12 months (March 2020 – February 2021), compared to the same 12 months ending February 2020.

DiNapoli: Former Tax Collector Accused of Pocketing $88,000 for Car Loans, Amazon Purchases, Food and Other Expenses

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the arrest of Jennifer Colucci, 41, of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., for allegedly stealing more than $88,000 in tax funds collected for the use of the town of Beekman and its schools. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, Dutchess County D.A. William Grady and the New York State Police.