Former Bradford Volunteer Fire Company treasurer Sherry Hamilton pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree after an audit and investigation found she misappropriated approximately $8,500 in fire company funds, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today.

DiNapoli’s office worked with the New York State Police and Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. Their joint efforts discovered Hamilton misappropriated funds by taking "advance" payments on company activities and manipulating company records to conceal her crimes. She was arrested in July 2016.

"Sherry Hamilton abused her position of trust by turning company fundraisers into personal fundraisers and now she is being held accountable for her actions," said DiNapoli. "My thanks to District Attorney Baker and the New York State Police for their partnership in bringing offenders like Hamilton to justice."

Hamilton’s plea was entered today in Steuben County Court before Judge Marianne Furfure and she is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23. Hamilton is expected to pay full restitution as part of her plea agreement.

To read the report, go to: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/firedists/2016/bradford.htm.

DiNapoli’s audits and investigations have led to more than 140 arrests and more than $37 million in restitutions since 2011.

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