Former Alexandria Town Clerk Ellen Peck pleaded guilty yesterday in Jefferson County Court to stealing $26,285 in public funds. Peck pocketed cash paid by residents for fines, fees and surcharges, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“For years, Ms. Peck violated the trust of her neighbors and stole thousands of dollars,” DiNapoli said. “Hopefully, her conviction will deter others from such corruption. I thank the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office and the State Police for their hard work on this case.”

“The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office would like to also extend our thanks to the New York State Police and the Office of the State Comptroller for all of their hard work on this case to ensure that justice was served and the public confidence restored,” Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills said.

Peck, 64, of Alexandria Bay, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree (a class E felony) and is expected to be sentenced to five years’ probation and full restitution on August 23. Ms. Peck previously repaid the town an additional $20,000 that went missing during her tenure.

Her crimes were revealed in an audit and investigation by DiNapoli’s office at the town’s request, in partnership with law enforcement.

The investigation and audit found that Peck, who collected funds for the town of Alexandria and the village of Alexandria Bay, stole cash paid for transfer station, arena and clerk fees, among others, before she retired in 2014. 

To read the audit, visit: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/towns/2016/alexandria.pdf

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse.  New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236. Review prior cases at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/investigations.