The former mayor of one Southern Tier village has admitted to stealing $23,519 from the village during his term.
While serving as mayor, Eric Halstead regularly took cash out of the village of Candor’s bank account for his personal use. The withdrawals were recorded as “Mayor’s Discretionary” or “ATM Withdrawal” in village records. When an outside consultant that was assisting the village with its annual reports noticed the unusual transactions, the matter was referred to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office, which launched an investigation.
The ensuing investigation found Halstead took $23,519 in cash from the village between February 2017 and May 2023. The withdrawals often coincided with times that Halstead’s personal bank account was nearly empty or overdrawn. Halstead intermittently and irregularly deposited money back into the village’s account in the amount of $19,302 over the course of six years. As part of his plea, he repaid the balance of the stolen funds.
Halstead was Candor’s mayor from 2012 until he resigned shortly after his arrest in July 2024.
He pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree before Judge Adam R. Schumacher in Tioga County Court. His contemplated sentence is 60 days in jail with a three-year conditional discharge and an agreement to never run for public office again. His sentencing is scheduled for April 14.
“Mr. Halstead betrayed the village he was entrusted to serve, taking what amounted to interest-free loans from the people who elected him,” DiNapoli said. “His theft of public funds is contemptible and undermines public faith in government. My thanks to District Attorney Martin and the New York State Police for their partnership in ensuring justice is served in this case.”
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