New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden A. Wetmore and the New York State Police announced former Odessa Village Clerk Kristi Pierce has been charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (D Felony); Defrauding the Government (E Felony); and Official Misconduct (A Misdemeanor) for padding her timesheets to boost her pay. The alleged thefts occurred from 2012 to 2019 and netted Pierce more than $11,000 in pay she was not entitled to.

"For seven years, Ms. Pierce allegedly falsified records to make it look like she worked more hours than she actually did and effectively stole from local taxpayers,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “I thank DA Wetmore and the State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation for working with my office to fight fraud and protect the public trust.”

Pierce, 47, allegedly falsified timesheets to make it appear she worked more than 25 hours per week which was the minimum needed to accrue vacation time. This scheme made it appear she had qualified for vacation time when she actually hadn’t. She then put in for time off and collected more than $11,000 for days that she was never entitled to. She was employed as village clerk from 2005 to 2019.

Pierce was arraigned before Judge Scott A. Miller in Schuyler County Court.

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, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.