A former Southern Tier town clerk admits to stealing almost $4,000 from the town.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese, and the New York State Police on Friday announced the plea and sentence of Amy Becker, former Clerk for the Town of Lincoln. The plea was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police. As part of the plea agreement, she paid full restitution of $3,869.
The 54-year-old pled guilty to petit larceny. She served as the town clerk of Lincoln from 2018 to 2022. During that time, she accepted payments for the town, including fees for marriage licenses, death certificates, and the dog pound, and was responsible for recording and depositing all funds.
During an audit of the town, DiNapoli’s office found a cash shortage. An ensuing investigation found that Becker failed to report $3,869 in cash deposits and, instead, embezzled the money for her personal use.
Becker pleaded guilty before Judge Stephanie Palmer in the Town of Lenox Court. She was ordered to, and paid, full restitution of $3,869 and received a one-year conditional discharge.
“Ms. Becker abused her position by taking funds paid to her town and making them her own,” DiNapoli said. “Those in public service have a responsibility to act in taxpayers’ interests, not line their own pockets. I thank District Attorney Ferrarese and the New York State Police for their partnership in making sure she will be held accountable.”
