The former part-time court clerk for one Wayne County township has admitted in court to stealing $60,000 in court fines, fees, and surcharges.
Eileen Steurrys’ crimes were uncovered during State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s audit of the Town of Marion Court Fund, which found that court fees collected were not always being deposited into the court’s account. A resulting investigation, in collaboration with Wayne County District Attorney Michael Calarco and the State Police, determined that, from 2016 to 2021, Steurrys stole over $50,000 and altered court records, and created phony receipts to conceal her crimes. She was arrested in March following the joint investigation.
According to DiNapoli, this week, Steurrys’ pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Corrupting the Government in the Second Degree, Tampering with Records in the First Degree, and Official Misconduct before Judge Richard M. Healy in Wayne County Court. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 18.
“Ms. Steurrys went to great lengths to try and cover up her theft of public funds. She now faces the consequences of her actions because of my office’s investigation and our partnership with District Attorney Calarco and the State Police,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to the District Attorney and the State Police for their continuing partnership in combating public corruption.”
Following the plea, prosecutor John J. Ferlicca of the Wayne County DA’s Office said, “The auditors from the State Comptroller did an exceptional and thorough investigation, which made my job of obtaining a conviction that much easier.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “This guilty plea today once again demonstrates the hard work of law enforcement partners focused on the same goal; holding those who break our laws, accountable. Ms. Steurrys manipulated a position she was entrusted in and used it to her own advantage. We will not tolerate such corruption from those who use their position to profit at the expense of the local community. I commend and thank the State Comptroller’s office and the Wayne County District Attorney’s office for their commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who prey on their community.”
