Former Mayfield Town Clerk Dorothy Hart was arrested today for allegedly pocketing thousands of dollars in public funds, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced.

"Ms. Hart took advantage of her position and the public's trust by diverting public funds to herself," said DiNapoli. "I thank Fulton County District Attorney Chad Brown and New York State Police for their diligent work in helping us hold Ms. Hart accountable."

Hart, 61, of Mayfield, was charged with two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, class D felonies, and released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court on June 19, 2018.

While she was the elected Town Clerk, Ms. Hart allegedly misappropriated more than $35,000 in property taxes, dog licensing and other fees. Ms. Hart pocketed more than $27,000 in property taxes by misappropriating penalty fees which should have gone to the town. Hart's monthly reports from January 2011 to February 2015 to the Town Supervisor claimed that she turned over portions of the dog licensing money to the county treasurer. The Comptroller's investigation found, however, that Hart kept over $8,000 of the dog licensing fees and other fees.

Comptroller DiNapoli's investigation was handled by his Division of Investigations working with his Division of Local Government and School Accountability, the Fulton County District Attorney's Office and New York State Police. The Comptroller's audit is also underway. 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.